Martin Van Buren

(1782 - 1862 )

Term of Office:		1837-1841
Admin. Policy:		Economic Deflation
Famous Quote:		"I tread in the footsteps of illustrious men. . . . In receiving from the people the sacred trust confided to my illustrious predecessor."
Political Affiliation:		Democrat
Achievement:		Established an Independent Treasury System

Who was Martin Van Buren ?

Martin Van Buren was born in New York, the son of a tavernkeeper and farmer. After graduating from Kinderhook Academy in 1796, he practiced law, and was soon involved in politics as a leader of the "Albany Regency." In 1821, he became a Senator. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Secretary of State under Jackson, and was elected Vice President for Jackson's second term.

Van Buren inherited a nation on the brink of economic disaster. President Jackson's destruction of the National Bank, coupled with his deflationary policies, emphasized the coming depression. Van Buren continued to use the same policies as Jackson in his attempt to cure the depression, which only served to worsen the crisis.

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