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Martin Van Buren Presidency
He served as Vice-President under Andrew Jackson, replacing the “agitated” John C. Calhoun after the nullification crisis. Van Buren was Jackson’s own choice to succeed him as the next president. His biggest battle during his presidency was handling the Panic of 1837.
More on Martin Van Buren -
John Deere invents the Steel Plow (VUS.8a)
American settlers poured westward from the coastal states into the Midwest and Great Plains seeking economic opportunity in the form of land to own and farm. New technologies opened new lands in the West for settlement and made farming profitable by increasing the efficiency of production and linking resources and markets more prosperous. Read MORE about inventions -
Panic of 1837 (VUS.6d)
Caused by the actions of Andrew Jackson through his war on the National Bank, combined with unsafe land speculation, a severe economic decline occurred. Some 900 banks collapsed, unemployment rose, there were food riots in cities and farming suffered. It did inspire further discussion on how the US should handle its finances. MORE -
The Texas Question (VUS.6b)
Having won its independence from Mexico, Texas applied for statehood. Southerners generally supported the annexation, but Northerners opposed it (based on slavery and power in Congress). Van Buren sided with the North and opposed annexation because he felt it would lead the nation to a greater sectional split. Texas would have to wait – MORE -
the Cherokee Trail of Tears (VUS.6b)
Even after winning their appeal to the US Supreme Court, there was no protection for this “Civilized Tribe” in Georgia. Dating back to Jackson’s Indian Removal policies, the Cherokee were forced on their journey to reservations in modern day Oklahoma. Wrought with hardships, the journey resulted in the deaths of some 4,000 Cherokee. Read MORE -
Daguerre invents first form of photography
Or at least, this is the date he made is invention public. He was over in France, but it did not take long for his invention to reach the United States. This invention was a huge step forward in technology – read MORE -
Independent Treasury Act
This was designed to protect Federal deposits in banks by making it difficult to loan out government money for private investment (which helped cause the Panic of 1837). Support for this law alienated Van Buren from many Democrats who opposed this policy. Ultimately, this law will move the nation toward the Federal Reserve program!
