Martin Van Buren
Martin Van Buren was the first president born after U.S. Independence and the first and only Dutch-speaking president of the United States. An adroit politician, Van Buren rose from humble origins in Kinderhook, New York, to serve as a U.S. Senator, as Andrew Jackson’s secretary of state, and as vice president.
This event was part of the Historians' Forums at the New York Historical Society.
Ted Widmer talked about his book Martin Van Buren, which is part of The American Presidents series published by Times Books. Mr. Widmer talk… read more
Ted Widmer talked about his book Martin Van Buren, which is part of The American Presidents series published by Times Books. Mr. Widmer talked about Van Buren’s presidency, his reaction to the collapse of financial markets in 1837, and his rocky relationship with President Andrew Jackson. Mr. Widmer also explained why he credits Van Buren with creating the two-party system in America. After his remarks he responded to questions from members of the audience.
Martin Van Buren was the first president born after U.S. Independence and the first and only Dutch-speaking president of the United States. An adroit politician, Van Buren rose from humble origins in Kinderhook, New York, to serve as a U.S. Senator, as Andrew Jackson’s secretary of state, and as vice president.
This event was part of the Historians' Forums at the New York Historical Society. close
People in this video
-
Edward "Ted" L. Widmer Director Washington College->Starr (C.V.) Center for the Study of the American Experience
Hosting Organization
Series
Related Video
-
Forgotten Allies
James Kirby Martin was interviewed about the book he co-wrote, Forgotten Allies: The Oneida Indians and the American Rev…
-
Ark of the Liberties: America and the World
Ted Widmer talked about Ark of the Liberties: America and the World (Hill and Wang; June 24, 2008). The book recounts a …
-
Jacqueline Kennedy
In March 1964, Jacqueline Kennedy sat with historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., to record seven interviews totaling over e…
-
Listening In
Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former President John F. Kennedy and historian Ted Widmer talk about their multimedia book…