1. Panic of 1837

This panic was closely followed by a 5 year depression in which banks failed and unemployment reached record highs.

2. Slavery

Van Buren believed slavery was morally wrong but allowed by the Constitution. He was a part of a large anti-slavery political party and voted against Missouri being admitted as a slave state.

3. Conflict with Mexico

Van Buren wanted to settle the financial dispute with Mexico by diplomatic means rather than using force. He denied Texas's formal request to join the Union favoring an equal number of slave and free states over territorial expansion.

Major Events