Martin Van Buren

The biography traces the subject's rise from local politics to major roles in state and national government, chronicling early legal and legislative service, leadership in party organization, and appointments as governor, senator, secretary of state, minister to England, vice-president, and president. It examines his handling of economic crisis and financial reform, notably the move toward an independent treasury, his positions on territorial expansion, slavery, and foreign disturbances such as a Canadian insurrection and a regional war, the defeat for re-election, later political involvement with antislavery movements, and an assessment of his statesmanship, political philosophy, and historical standing.