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By
unknown photographer, ca. 1840-1860. Courtesy of Library of Congress
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Eighth President, 1837-1841
Martin Van Buren was hand-picked by his friend Andrew Jackson to follow
him into the White House. But, even the support of the ever-popular
Jackson could not protect Van Buren from the ill will of the people
as the result of the severe economic depression that followed him
into office and eventually led to his defeat in 1840. Van Buren was
also responsible for forcing 15,000 Cherokee from their Georgia homeland
to what is now Oklahoma. Without adequate food and supplies, the Indians
marched for 116 days, escorted by federal troops who did not allow
them to rest or tend to the ill. As a result, some 4,000 Indians died
on the treacherous journey known as "The Trail of Tears." |
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