Presidents of the United States: Martin Van Buren, first president born as an American citizen

Editor’s Note: This profile is part of a series taking a closer look at US presidents ahead of the 2024 presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

Martin Van Buren, the 8th president of the United States, played a crucial role in the development of the Democratic Party and was a central figure in the country’s early 19th-century politics.

He was the first president born after the American Revolution, making him the first “natural-born” American citizen to hold the office.

Known as the “Little Magician” for his political acumen, Van Buren’s presidency was marked by the economic turmoil of the Panic of 1837, which overshadowed much of his achievements.

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Political ascent

Martin Van Buren was born on December 5, 1782, in Kinderhook, New York, to a Dutch-American family. His parents were middle-class farmers, and his father also owned a tavern where young Van Buren was exposed to local politics.

His early education was modest, but Van Buren studied law and entered the New York bar in 1803. His political career began in the early 1800s as a member of the Democratic-Republican Party, and he quickly gained influence within the powerful New York political machine, known as the Albany Regency, which he helped establish.

Van Buren’s rise was swift. He served as New York State Senator from 1812 to 1820 and as Attorney General of New York from 1815 to 1819.

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In 1821, he was elected to the US Senate, where he supported the policies of Thomas Jefferson and later aligned himself with Andrew Jackson, becoming one of Jackson’s closest allies and advisors. His talent for organising political coalitions earned him a reputation as a shrewd tactician.

The right-hand man

When Andrew Jackson won the presidency in 1828, Van Buren was rewarded for his loyalty with an appointment as US Secretary of State, serving from 1829 to 1831.

His time as US Secretary of State solidified his position as one of Jackson’s most trusted advisors, particularly in foreign affairs. He negotiated key trade agreements, including with the British over West Indies trade, and strengthened diplomatic ties with several European powers.

In 1832, Van Buren was chosen as Jackson’s running mate and became the Vice President of the United States. As vice president, he played a crucial role in maintaining Jackson’s coalition of supporters, which would later help him secure the presidency in his own right.

Presidency & the Panic of 1837

Van Buren was elected the 8th President of the United States in 1836, succeeding Andrew Jackson.

His presidency, however, was dominated by the economic crisis known as the Panic of 1837, a financial collapse that triggered a severe depression lasting throughout much of his term. The panic was largely caused by speculative lending practices, the collapse of credit, and Jackson’s earlier decision to dismantle the Second Bank of the United States.

Van Buren’s response to the crisis, which included advocating for the creation of an independent treasury to manage government funds, was seen by many as too conservative.

He resisted calls for more direct government intervention in the economy, preferring a hands-off approach that reflected his commitment to small government and states’ rights.

His policies, though aimed at stabilising the economy in the long term, were unpopular in the immediate aftermath, and Van Buren became a scapegoat for the depression.

Van Buren’s agenda on slavery & foreign policy

During his presidency, Van Buren maintained the delicate balance on the issue of slavery, a growing source of tension in the United States.

He opposed the annexation of Texas in 1837, fearing that adding a new slave state would further divide the nation. This decision angered Southern Democrats, who had supported expansion.

Van Buren also refused to intervene in Canada’s 1837 rebellion, maintaining the US policy of neutrality and avoiding conflict with Britain.

In foreign policy, Van Buren’s administration avoided major conflicts, though his handling of tensions with Britain over Canada and Maine drew mixed reviews.

His administration continued to promote peaceful trade and diplomatic relations with European nations, building on the foundation laid during his tenure as US Secretary of State.

Van Buren defeated

The economic depression, along with growing opposition from both the Whig Party and factions within his own Democratic Party, led to Van Buren’s defeat in the 1840 presidential election. He lost to Whig candidate William Henry Harrison in a landslide, as voters sought a change in leadership to address the ongoing financial crisis.

After his presidency, Van Buren remained active in politics. He made another bid for the presidency in 1844 but failed to secure the Democratic nomination due to his opposition to the annexation of Texas, which cost him Southern support.

In 1848, he ran as the presidential candidate for the Free Soil Party, a group opposed to the expansion of slavery into new territories. Although he did not win, his candidacy helped elevate the issue of slavery in national politics.

Van Buren retired from public life after the 1848 election but remained an influential figure within the Democratic Party. He spent his later years at his estate, Lindenwald, in Kinderhook, New York, where he died on July 24, 1862.

Martin Van Buren’s legacy

Martin Van Buren’s legacy is often overshadowed by the economic hardships of his presidency, but his contributions to American politics were significant. As one of the architects of the modern Democratic Party, Van Buren helped shape the two-party system that still dominates US politics.

His role in building coalitions and organising party machinery was groundbreaking, and his skill as a political strategist earned him the nickname “Little Magician.”

While his presidency was marred by economic failure, Van Buren’s commitment to states’ rights, limited government, and his handling of foreign affairs left a lasting impact.

His efforts to maintain peace with Britain and navigate the country through its financial difficulties demonstrated a cautious but steady hand in governance.