Martin Van Buren Biography
Martin Van Buren, the eighth President of the United States, was a masterful politician and a key architect of the Democratic Party. Often referred to as the “Little Magician” due to his political acumen, Van Buren played a pivotal role in shaping the American political landscape in the early 19th century. His presidency, which was marred by economic turmoil, still left a lasting impact on American politics and governance. Â
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Martin Van Buren was born on December 5, 1782, in Kinderhook, New York, to Abraham Van Buren and Maria Hoes Van Alen. His parents were of Dutch descent, and his father was a farmer and tavern keeper. The Van Buren family was part of the Dutch Reformed Church, and Martin grew up in a bilingual household, speaking both Dutch and English (Cole, 1984).Â
Childhood and Education
Van Buren’s early education was modest, primarily at local schools in Kinderhook. Despite the limited educational resources available to him, he demonstrated a keen intellect and a strong interest in law and politics from a young age. At the age of 14, Van Buren began working as a clerk at a law office in Kinderhook, where he received his initial legal training (Cole, 1984). He later continued his legal studies in New York City under the tutelage of William P. Van Ness, a prominent attorney.Â
Legal Career and Entry into Politics
After completing his legal studies, Van Buren was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1803. He returned to Kinderhook and established a successful legal practice. His legal career quickly brought him into contact with influential political figures, and he became involved in local politics as a supporter of Thomas Jefferson’s Democratic-Republican Party (Widmer, 2005).Â
Political Career
Early Political Involvement
Van Buren’s political career began in earnest in 1812 when he was elected to the New York State Senate. As a state senator, he aligned himself with the powerful political machine of New York Governor DeWitt Clinton, but he later broke with Clinton and became a leading figure in the anti-Clintonian faction (Widmer, 2005). This faction, known as the “Bucktails,” was instrumental in promoting democratic reforms and expanding the influence of the Democratic-Republican Party in New York.Â
Attorney General of New York
In 1815, Van Buren was appointed as the Attorney General of New York, a position he held until 1819. During his tenure, he worked to strengthen the state’s legal system and enhance the powers of the judiciary. His legal expertise and political acumen earned him a reputation as one of New York’s most capable and influential politicians (Widmer, 2005).Â
U.S. Senator and Political Strategist
Van Buren’s national political career began in 1821 when he was elected to the U.S. Senate. As a senator, he emerged as a key ally of Andrew Jackson and a prominent advocate for states’ rights and limited government. Van Buren played a crucial role in organizing Jackson’s successful presidential campaign in 1828, earning him the nickname “Little Magician” for his political skill and strategic acumen (Widmer, 2005).Â
Secretary of State and Vice Presidency
Secretary of State under Andrew Jackson
After Jackson’s victory in the 1828 presidential election, Van Buren was appointed as Secretary of State, serving from 1829 to 1831. As Secretary of State, Van Buren played a key role in shaping American foreign policy, negotiating important treaties with European powers and managing complex diplomatic issues (Widmer, 2005). His tenure as Secretary of State further solidified his position as one of Jackson’s most trusted advisors and a leading figure in the Democratic Party.Â
Vice Presidency
In 1832, Van Buren was elected as Vice President on the Democratic ticket with Andrew Jackson. As Vice President, Van Buren continued to support Jackson’s policies and played a central role in the administration’s efforts to dismantle the Second Bank of the United States (Widmer, 2005). His loyalty to Jackson and his ability to navigate the complexities of national politics made him the natural successor to Jackson as the Democratic candidate for president in 1836.Â
Presidency
Election of 1836
In the 1836 presidential election, Van Buren faced a fragmented opposition, with the newly formed Whig Party running multiple regional candidates in an attempt to prevent his victory. Despite these challenges, Van Buren won a decisive victory, becoming the eighth President of the United States (Cole, 1984). His election marked the continuation of Jacksonian policies and the dominance of the Democratic Party in American politics.Â
Economic Challenges and the Panic of 1837
Van Buren’s presidency was dominated by the Panic of 1837, a severe economic depression that began shortly after he took office. The panic was triggered by a combination of factors, including speculative lending practices, the collapse of state banks, and the restrictive monetary policies of the Bank of England (Widmer, 2005). The economic downturn led to widespread bank failures, business bankruptcies, and high unemployment, creating significant challenges for Van Buren’s administration.Â
Response to the Economic Crisis
In response to the economic crisis, Van Buren implemented a series of measures aimed at stabilizing the economy and restoring public confidence. He called for the establishment of an independent treasury system to separate federal funds from private banks and reduce the risk of financial instability (Widmer, 2005). This proposal, known as the Independent Treasury Act, was passed by Congress in 1840 and represented a significant shift in federal financial policy.Â
Domestic and Foreign Policy
Van Buren’s domestic policy was characterized by his commitment to Jacksonian principles, including states’ rights, limited government, and opposition to federal intervention in the economy. He vetoed several bills that he believed would lead to increased federal power and undermine state sovereignty (Widmer, 2005). In foreign affairs, Van Buren sought to maintain peace and avoid entanglements in European conflicts. He successfully resolved a long-standing boundary dispute with Great Britain over the Maine-Canada border through diplomatic negotiations (Widmer, 2005).Â
Slavery and the Amistad Case
One of the most significant legal and moral issues of Van Buren’s presidency was the case of the Amistad, a Spanish schooner carrying enslaved Africans who had revolted and taken control of the ship. The U.S. Navy captured the ship and brought it to New Haven, Connecticut, where the fate of the Africans became a matter of legal and political debate (Widmer, 2005). Van Buren, under pressure from pro-slavery Southern interests, supported returning the Africans to Cuba. However, the case ultimately went to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the Africans, granting them their freedom.Â
Election of 1840 and Defeat
Despite his efforts to address the economic crisis and maintain Democratic Party unity, Van Buren’s popularity suffered due to the ongoing depression and the Whig Party’s effective campaign against him. In the 1840 presidential election, Van Buren faced William Henry Harrison, a war hero and Whig candidate. Harrison’s campaign, characterized by the famous “Log Cabin and Hard Cider” slogan, painted Van Buren as an out-of-touch aristocrat and appealed to the populist sentiments of the electorate (Cole, 1984). Van Buren was defeated in a landslide, marking the end of his presidency.Â
Later Years and Legacy
Post-Presidential Political Activities
After leaving office, Van Buren remained active in politics and continued to influence the Democratic Party. He sought the party’s nomination for president in 1844 but lost to James K. Polk, who went on to win the election (Widmer, 2005). Van Buren’s political views evolved over time, and he became increasingly opposed to the expansion of slavery. In 1848, he ran for president as the candidate of the Free Soil Party, a coalition of anti-slavery Democrats, Whigs, and abolitionists. Although he did not win, his candidacy helped to highlight the growing sectional tensions over slavery (Cole, 1984).Â
Personal Life and Family
Van Buren married Hannah Hoes, his childhood sweetheart and distant cousin, in 1807. The couple had four sons: Abraham, John, Martin Jr., and Smith. Hannah Van Buren died in 1819, leaving Van Buren a widower for the remainder of his life (Widmer, 2005). Van Buren was known for his charm and sociability, and he maintained a wide network of friends and political allies throughout his career.Â
Retirement and Death
In his later years, Van Buren retired to his estate, Lindenwald, in Kinderhook, New York. He spent his retirement years writing his autobiography, reflecting on his political career, and remaining engaged in public affairs. Van Buren died on July 24, 1862, at the age of 79, leaving behind a complex legacy as a key figure in the development of the American political system (Widmer, 2005).Â
Historical Assessment and Legacy
Martin Van Buren’s legacy is multifaceted, encompassing his contributions to the formation of the Democratic Party, his leadership during a period of economic turmoil, and his evolving stance on slavery. As a masterful politician and strategist, Van Buren played a crucial role in shaping the American political landscape and establishing the principles of Jacksonian Democracy (Widmer, 2005). His presidency, marked by the challenges of the Panic of 1837, demonstrated his commitment to limited government and states’ rights, even in the face of significant economic hardship.
 Van Buren’s impact on American politics extends beyond his presidency. His efforts to build a cohesive and organized political party set the stage for the modern two-party system, and his advocacy for democratic reforms helped to expand political participation and representation. Although his presidency faced significant challenges, his contributions to the American political system and his legacy as a skilled politician and statesman remain influential.Â
Final Summary
Martin Van Buren’s life and legacy reflect the complexities and challenges of early American politics. From his humble beginnings in Kinderhook to his rise as a key architect of the Democratic Party and his presidency during a period of economic turmoil, Van Buren’s story is one of determination, political skill, and a commitment to democratic principles. His contributions to the development of the American political system and his enduring influence on the Democratic Party make him a significant figure in American history.
References
Cole, D. (1984). Martin Van Buren and the American Political System. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Widmer, E. (2005). Martin Van Buren. New York, NY: Times Books.