Martin Van Buren
8th President
Moey Mugavin APUSH pd. 2
Basic Info
Term: 1837-1841
Party: Democrat
Vice President: Richard M. Johnson
Election Opponents: W. H. Harrison, Hugh L. White, Daniel Webster, W. P. Mangum
America at this time
During the 1830s and 1840s slavery was being ended in countries around the world and was being brought under the political spotlight in America. There was the Panic of 1837 caused by over speculation and currency problems. And Native Americans were being moved across the country on the Trail of Tears.
Key people in the presidency
John Forsyth- Secretary of State
Joel R. Poinsett- Secretary of War
Levi Woodbury- Secretary of Treasury
Sam Houston- Defeated Santa Anna while battling for Texas
Joseph Smith- Leader of the Latter Day Saints, a very influential religious movement
Quote
"There is a power in public opinion in this country - and I thank God for it: for it is the most honest and best of all powers - which will not tolerate an incompetent or unworthy man to hold in his weak or wicked hands the lives and fortunes of his fellow-citizens."
Economic Policies
During the Panic of 1837 President Van Buren advocated higher tariffs and free trade (gaining him support in the South) but his refusal to actually act since his strong belief in laissez-faire economics (government staying uninvolved in the economic activity) is a major cause of his blame for the worsening of the economy during the Panic. Instead of concerning over the economic well-being of the people, he acted upon the well-being of the government and established the Independent Treasury System which protected government funds.
Foreign Policies
Many boarder disputes between America and Great Britain occurred in New York in Maine on land claimed by both countries. Van Buren's patient democracy led to the signing of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty. The treaty settled boarder disputes and essentially avoided conflict with Great Britain.
Domestic Policies
The Gag Resolutions- The House could not publish an material relating to the question of slavery. This was in attempt to prevent sectionalism but instead just postponed it.
Born December 5th, 1782
Died July 24th, 1862