Martin Van Buren was an important American politician, serving as the eighth Vice President and eighth President of the United States. He helped organize the Democratic party and build its organizational structure. As President, he oversaw the country during a depression known as the Panic of 1837, for which he was largely blamed and contributed to his losing the 1840 election. Van Buren was born in 1782 in New York and began his political career as a lawyer before gaining prominence in the Democratic party.
2. Tenth Secretary of State (1829-1831) Under Andrew Jackson Eighth Vice President of the United States (1833-1837) Under Andrew Jackson Eighth President of the United States (1837-1841) Key organizer of the Democratic party Helped build the organizational structure for the “Jacksonian democracy” As president, he was the scapegoat for the depression known as the Panic of 1837 Lost 1841 election to William Henry Harrison (whig) Accomplishments
3. Born December 5th, 1782 in Kinderhook, NY Dutch family Political party affiliations: Democratic-Republican – before 1825 Democrat – 1825-1848 Free Soil Party – 1848-1854 Profession – lawyer After gaining wealth, he began to focus on politics Believed slavery was morally wrong, but opposed its abolition "As to the presidency, the two happiest days of my life were those of my entrance upon the office and my surrender of it." Background
4. Leader of country during a depression Blamed for economic instability Nicknamed “Martin Van Ruin” Well-liked by the democrats Unanimously denominated by the Democrats for the election of 1840 Appreciated by many others Nominated for the election of 1848 by: Barnburner faction of Democrats Free Soilers Importance
