memphisgundown.org – Martin Van Buren, the eighth President of the United States, assumed office in 1837 during a tumultuous period in American history. His presidency, which lasted from 1837 to 1841, was deeply impacted by the economic crises of the time, including the Panic of 1837, as well as significant political challenges. Despite these obstacles, Van Buren’s administration was marked by a strong cabinet that played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s policy decisions. This article explores the key figures in Van Buren’s presidential cabinet and the decisions they made that shaped both his presidency and American history.
The Composition of Van Buren’s Cabinet
Van Buren, having been deeply involved in the political machinery of Andrew Jackson’s administration, brought a number of trusted allies and seasoned politicians into his cabinet. The composition of his cabinet was a reflection of the Jacksonian ideals, as well as Van Buren’s political philosophy of patronage and loyalty. Below is an overview of the key figures who served in his cabinet.
1. **Secretary of State: **
John Forsyth
John Forsyth, a key member of Van Buren’s cabinet, served as the Secretary of State throughout his presidency. Forsyth was a seasoned diplomat and politician, with a long history of service in the United States Congress. Before being appointed to the position, Forsyth had served as a representative and senator from Georgia and had also been a minister to Spain. His diplomatic experience made him a natural choice for the role of Secretary of State, and during his tenure, Forsyth was involved in significant foreign policy matters, including relations with Great Britain and Mexico.
Under Forsyth’s leadership, the U.S. pursued a policy of territorial expansion, particularly in regard to the annexation of Texas, although tensions with Mexico over the issue would later escalate. Forsyth also oversaw the resolution of boundary disputes with Great Britain, such as the Aroostook War, which, while largely a diplomatic conflict, reflected the growing tensions between the U.S. and European powers.
2. Secretary of the Treasury:
Levi Woodbury
Levi Woodbury served as the Secretary of the Treasury during Van Buren’s administration. Woodbury, a former governor of New Hampshire and a U.S. senator, was a well-respected figure in American politics. He had previously served under Andrew Jackson and was a strong advocate for the Jacksonian policies, particularly in relation to fiscal matters.
One of the most notable challenges Woodbury faced was the aftermath of the Panic of 1837. The economic crisis that struck the country soon after Van Buren took office led to widespread unemployment, bank failures, and a sharp economic downturn. Woodbury worked closely with Van Buren to address the crisis by focusing on fiscal austerity and attempting to establish a system for government financial management. A major decision during his tenure was the establishment of the Independent Treasury System, which sought to separate government funds from private banks and manage the nation’s finances more securely. While this was a controversial move, it was a central element of Van Buren’s economic policy.
3. Secretary of War:
Joel Poinsett
Joel Poinsett, a diplomat and politician from South Carolina, was appointed as Secretary of War under Van Buren. Poinsett was a strong proponent of Jacksonian policies, and his tenure as Secretary of War was marked by his involvement in Indian Removal and other military issues.
Poinsett is perhaps best known for his role in the forced removal of Native American tribes, a policy that was a continuation of the Jackson administration’s Indian removal efforts. During his time as Secretary of War, Poinsett was instrumental in overseeing the military aspects of the Indian Removal Act, which led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands to territories in the west.
In addition to his role in Indian removal, Poinsett also played a significant part in the creation of the first formal U.S. military academy at West Point, ensuring that the military would be better trained for future conflicts. Poinsett’s legacy is complicated by his involvement in controversial policies, particularly with regard to Native Americans, but his work in the military sphere during Van Buren’s presidency was of significant historical importance.
4. Attorney General:
Felix Grundy
Felix Grundy, a former senator from Tennessee, served as Attorney General during Van Buren’s presidency. Grundy was a staunch supporter of Andrew Jackson’s policies and a vocal advocate for states’ rights. As Attorney General, he was primarily responsible for providing legal advice to the president and managing the Department of Justice.
Grundy’s tenure was marked by his support of Van Buren’s policies and his involvement in the handling of various legal matters, including questions related to the financial crisis. Grundy also played a role in advising the administration on its position toward the U.S. Supreme Court, particularly in relation to the court’s stance on issues like states’ rights and federal authority.
5. Postmaster General:
Amos Kendall
Amos Kendall, who had served as an important member of Andrew Jackson’s “Kitchen Cabinet,” was appointed Postmaster General during Van Buren’s administration. Kendall was known for his close political ties to Jackson and his dedication to the Jacksonian cause. As Postmaster General, Kendall oversaw the expansion of the U.S. mail system, which was critical in ensuring communication across the rapidly growing country.
Kendall’s tenure was also notable for his influence in shaping Van Buren’s political strategy. As Postmaster General, Kendall was able to help Van Buren with political patronage, supporting the recruitment of loyalists to the Democratic Party and working to strengthen the party’s organizational structure. His experience as a political advisor and his deep involvement in the Jacksonian movement made him a trusted member of Van Buren’s cabinet.
6. Secretary of the Navy:
Thomas W. Gilmer
Thomas W. Gilmer was appointed Secretary of the Navy under Van Buren. A former congressman from Virginia, Gilmer was a strong advocate for the military and naval expansion. However, his tenure was cut short due to his tragic death in a freak accident. During his brief time in office, Gilmer oversaw the development of the U.S. Navy and the expansion of American influence in foreign affairs.
Key Decisions and Policies of Van Buren’s Cabinet
The members of Van Buren’s cabinet were involved in several crucial decisions that shaped the trajectory of the nation during the 1830s. While their decisions were often influenced by the economic and political challenges of the time, the cabinet’s actions also reflected Van Buren’s vision for the country.
1. The Panic of 1837 and the Independent Treasury System
The Panic of 1837, a financial crisis that led to widespread unemployment, bank failures, and economic instability, was one of the defining challenges of Van Buren’s presidency. The cabinet worked together to navigate the economic aftermath of the crisis. One of the central policies that Van Buren’s administration pursued in response to the crisis was the creation of the Independent Treasury System. This policy aimed to separate government funds from private banks, ensuring that the government would have more control over its finances and reducing the influence of private financial institutions.
While the Independent Treasury System was a controversial decision and faced opposition from Whigs and other political factions, it remains one of the most significant economic reforms of Van Buren’s presidency. The system was later solidified in the 1840s and became a lasting part of the U.S. financial structure.
2. The Oregon Boundary Dispute
During Van Buren’s presidency, tensions with Great Britain over the Oregon Territory began to rise. The dispute centered around the boundary of the Oregon Territory, which both the United States and Great Britain claimed. The cabinet was involved in diplomatic negotiations to resolve the issue, which had the potential to lead to war.
Van Buren’s cabinet supported a policy of diplomatic negotiation, rather than military confrontation, in resolving the dispute. While the matter was not fully settled during Van Buren’s term, his administration laid the groundwork for later negotiations that resulted in the Oregon Treaty of 1846, which established the U.S.-Canada boundary in the Pacific Northwest.
3. Indian Removal and the Forced Relocation of Native Americans
As mentioned earlier, the issue of Indian Removal was a major component of Van Buren’s presidency. His cabinet, particularly Secretary of War Joel Poinsett, played a significant role in executing the policy of relocating Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to territories in the west. The most infamous event during this period was the Trail of Tears, during which thousands of Cherokee and other Native American tribes were forcibly removed from their homes, resulting in the deaths of thousands.
While Van Buren and his cabinet continued the Indian removal policies of Andrew Jackson, the forced relocation remains one of the most controversial and tragic episodes in American history.
Conclusion
Martin Van Buren’s presidential cabinet was composed of key political figures who played crucial roles in navigating the challenges of his presidency. From managing the economic fallout of the Panic of 1837 to resolving foreign policy disputes and implementing policies such as Indian Removal, the cabinet’s decisions had a lasting impact on the United States. Though Van Buren faced significant obstacles during his presidency, his cabinet’s decisions helped shape the course of American political history during a pivotal period. The figures in Van Buren’s cabinet, with their varied backgrounds and experiences, left an indelible mark on the political landscape of the 19th century.