Presidential Resources Online
Martin Van Buren 1837 - 1841
Martin Van Buren was born in 1782 to a prosperous
farmer and tavern keeper in New York. As a young man he practiced
law, and became distinguished among New Yorkers as an effective and politically
motivated leader. In 1821 he was elected to the U.S. Senate, and
in 1832 he was elected as Vice-President under Andrew Jackson. A
strong supporter of Jackson, Van Buren was endorsed by Old Hickory for
the 1836 Presidential election, which he won. Van Buren only served
one term, during which the nation suffered its worst economic crisis to-date
begining in 1837. During his term Van Buren eliminated federal spending
on internal improvements, and like Jackson, sought to curb the growing
power of the federal government. Van Buren also blocked the annexation
of Texas in an attempt to prevent the expansion of Slavery. Van Buren
lost the election of 1842, and in 1848 he unsuccessfully ran for President
on the "Free Soil" ticket.
Online Martin Van Buren Resources:
The Martin
Fan Bureau - Martin Van Buren tribute page.
Martin Van Buren -
Extensive Van Buren site containing biographical information, genealogy, images,
and other resources
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
- Information on Van Buren's home in Kinderhook, New York.
Martin
Van Buren: The Greatest American President - Article by Jeffrey R. Hummel
praising Van Buren's accomplishments.
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