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Martin Van Buren (1782)close

The eighth president of the United States, Martin Van Buren, was born in Kinderhook, New York. Early in his career, Van Buren was active in New York politics. In 1821 he was elected to the United States Senate and served until 1828 when he was asked to lead Andrew Jackson's campaign for president. President Jackson rewarded Van Buren by appointing him Secretary of State. Van Buren was elected Vice President on the Jacksonian ticket in 1832, and was elected president in 1836. Van Buren's presidency was characterized by great economic hardship.

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