Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Martin van Buren 1837 - 1841

Economic Transformations and Globalization: Following suit towards Andrew Jackson's views of national banks, Martin van Buren also opposed them and fought for new policies which he hoped would shape the economy in a way he seemed fit. Martin van Buren fought to oppose the estbalishment of a new Bank of the United States and instead redirect how the economy and its problems be handled. Van Buren's solution was to convince society and the government of an independent treasury in which the U.S economic problems would be situated with. In doing so society would rely less on the government and become more independent in solving their problems.

Slavery and its Legacies in North America: President Martin Van Buren took a number of steps during his presidency which led to create this anti - slavery persona. A prominent example was during the vote of the admission of Missouri as a slave state, where van Buren would Vote against it. He also was a very possible canidate as president of the Free-Soil Party. The "Free-Soilers" took great opposition towards the expansion of slaves into newly obtained territories. They had hopes of reducing the spread of slavery and its practice and took to great measures in order to try and do so.

Environment: Martin van Buren despised internal improvements and would rather redirect their wealth and the economy towards other aspects of the society. Unfortunately this did not settle well with the entire nation and van Buren recieved opposition. His most prominent opponent were westerners who wanted to establish trade relations with eastern factors. With hopes of increasing their own lives and base for commerce the westerners had high hopes to take the steps necessary. Although without the internal funding to create and improve roads, travel was extremely difficult making trade the very same. 

War and Diplomacy:Van Buren being so closely in the shadow of Andrew Jackson's actions took the great responsibility of having to deal with the 2nd Seminole War. Taking place as a reaction to the Indian Removal Act placed into effect by previous president Andrew Jackson, van Buren was left with all of it to handle. As any war many lives were sacrificed and the land and people greatly affected. The Seminole Indian population did not take lightly to the decisions/actions made by Jackson, and unfortunately President van Buren was the one to take to them.

Politics and Citizenship: during the van Buren presidency a number of his decision revolved around a sense of economic reform. Van Buren had proposed to the nation the idea of an independent treasury. The idea behind the treasury would be that it would have the power Of controlling all fedreal funds as well as dal with the income and wealth itself. Despite van Buren's excitement for establishing a treasury, it was not fully accepted by everyone and stirred up controversy between those who opposed the idea of banking. In addition to the treasury van Buren also promoted other economic aspects such as low tariffs and free trade.

American Identity and Culture: During his presidency arose a period where society began to panic and crumble economically. Large numbers of banks and businesses were struggling to make income as well as maintaining that flow of money. A drop in the economy also affected those who owed land and their ability to pay for their share. Families struggled as well and society was left in a deep hole struggling to find a solution. Eventually van Buren and his cabinet would establish programs to help aid those in a deep financial/social crisis, but for some it was too late.

No comments:

Post a Comment