Martin Van Buren
Martin Van Buren ran for president three times but was elected only
once. He rose to national fame as secretary of state, then as vice
president, under Andrew Jackson. Soon after Van Buren became president
in 1838, the country was in the throes of an economic panic. Although
much of what caused the depression developed during Andrew Jackson's
administration, many people blamed Van Buren.
Lesson Plans | Primary
Sources |
Lesson Plans:
The
Panic of 1837 and the Presidency of Martin Van Buren - In this
lesson, students will analyze period political cartoons as they study
the causes of the economic downturn, Van Buren’s response as
president, and the reaction to his measures.
The
Campaign of 1840: William Henry Harrison and Tyler, Too - this
unit allow students to become familiar with the issues and personalities
and to review an assortment of primary documents. As students analyze
them, they reflect on the presidential campaign of 1840. How was it
conducted? What was the role of campaign advertising? How crucial
were issues to the election of William Henry Harrison? How crucial
was image?
Primary Source Documents:
Martin
Van Buren's Innaugural Address - The ailing President Jackson
and his Vice President Van Buren rode together to the Capitol from
the White House in a carriage made of timbers from the U.S.S. Constitution.
Chief Justice Roger Taney administered the oath of office on the East
Portico of the Capitol. For the first and only time, the election
for Vice President had been decided by the Senate, as provided by
the Constitution, when the electoral college could not select a winner.
The new Vice President, Richard M. Johnson, took his oath in the Senate
Chamber.
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