author
Martin Van Buren
1782–1862
A skilled political organizer and sharp strategist, he helped build the Democratic Party and became the eighth president of the United States. His time in office was dominated by the Panic of 1837, but his larger legacy lies in how he shaped modern party politics.
2 Audiobooks
State of the Union Addresses
by Martin Van Buren
Inquiry Into the Origin and Course of Political Parties in the United States
by Martin Van Buren
About the author
Born in Kinderhook, New York, in 1782, Martin Van Buren was the first U.S. president born after American independence. He trained as a lawyer, rose through New York politics, and earned a reputation as a brilliant party builder who knew how to organize allies and win elections.
Before reaching the White House, he served as governor of New York, U.S. senator, secretary of state, and vice president under Andrew Jackson. Van Buren played a major role in creating the Democratic Party as a disciplined national organization, which is one reason he remains such an important figure in American political history.
He served as president from 1837 to 1841, a difficult period marked by a severe financial crisis known as the Panic of 1837. Although his presidency is often judged by those hard economic years, historians also remember him for his political skill, his influence on the party system, and the nickname "the Little Magician," given to him for his tactical talent.