Martin Van Buren: America's first politician

Part 1: the making of a politician, 1782-1815. Aristos and Demos

The world of Aaron Burr

"That little imp of Jacobinism"

The luck of war

Part 2: the fight for New York, 1815-1828. Kick or be kicked

Plucking Mr. Clinton's sting

The goodly boat

The malcontents

Part 3: the years of Andrew Jackson, 1828-1837.

Electioneering

The master mover

The great rejected

A sound beating

Caution

Succeeding

Part 4: the presidency, 1837-1841. Hard times

Rebels and borders

"A dereliction of faith and virtue"

"We have taught them how to conquer us!"

Part 5: the fall from power, 1841-1862. The comeback

The Polk betrayal

The last stand

A pretense of happiness.