Jackson’s Shadow, 1837-1841
Martin Van Buren, Democrat
Vice President – Richard M. Johnson
Sec of State – John Forsyth
Major Domestic Policy (legislation):
Independent Treasury Bill, 1840 – create a sub treasury system to deal
with the panic of 1837 and limit state access to government funds –
favored by Whigs, but opposed by group of Democrats who opposed
the US Bank
Foreign Policy Issues:
Refused Texas request for statehood – seeking sectional harmony
over territorial expansion
Van Buren is credited for seeking a diplomatic solution with Great
Britain and avoiding war over the Maine and Canada border disputes
which led to the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842
Quote/Campaign Slogan/Nickname/interesting fact
Nickname – Old Kinderhook – sometimes referred to as OK – where the word OK
came from
“Little Magician” – skilled at attaining political goals/First president born in the
United States!
“It affords me sincere pleasure to be able to apprise you of the entire removal of
the Cherokee Nation of Indians to their new homes west of the Mississippi.”
Grade the President – C
Despite his diplomatic efforts to avoid war with Britain over the border dispute,
Martin Van Buren’s presidency was troubled with the Panic of 1837. While he
attempted to restore sound economic monetary policy through the Independent
Treasury Bill its delay in passage only prolonged America’s worst depression in
history. His inability to rally the democratic party is seen as a failure.
Significant Events:
Trail of Tears: Van Buren would oversee the removal of the Cherokee
to Great Plains region
Mormon War, 1838 – Mormons in Missouri are driven out by force or
extermination
Second Seminole War: Indian resistance in Florida Van Buren will
send in troops– seen as a way to expand slavery unpopular in the
North.
An 1837 political cartoon depicts a modern version of Macbeth, with President
Van Buren recoiling in horror at the sight of the "ghost of commerce" in the
midst of the economic crisis of the Panic of 1837. Library of Congress