Video: Martin Van Buren – 8th President of the United States of America

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7th President – Term: 1829-1837

Learn more about the 8th President of the United States, Martin Van Buren. This video quickly covers his background, rise to the presidency, and little-discussed facts about the Commander in Chief.

Martin Van Buren – 8th President of the United States of America

Transcript:
 Martin Van Buren, the mastermind behind the Democratic Party and a president of firsts. Born in Kinderhook, New York, to a Dutch family, Martin Van Buren was the only U. S. president whose native language was not English. His early career as a lawyer in New York set the stage for his skilled political organizing, leading him to the national spotlight.

Van Buren’s presidency was challenged by the Panic of 1837, a severe financial crisis that struck only months into his term. Despite facing intense scrutiny for his economic policies and the continuation of the controversial Indian removal policies, he is credited with adept handling of foreign affairs, maintaining peace throughout his tenure.

An interesting tidbit about Van Buren is his nickname, Old Kinderhook, derived from his hometown. This nickname is famously linked to the term, OK, Reflecting approval or correctness, contributing a lasting phrase to American English, although its origin remains a topic of historical debate. He was the first president to have not been born a British subject, a president of linguistic uniqueness and political legacy.