American presidents series

Chronicles the life of President Martin Van Buren and examines his political career at a U.S. Senator, governor, Secretary of State, and Vice President under Andrew Jackson as well as his presidency and the economic disasters that cost him his second term.

Examines the controversial presidency of John Tyler, who assumed the office after the death of William Henry Harrison, and discusses his secret policies that led to the annexation of the Republic of Texas and sectional divisions that laid the framework for the Civil War.

Presents a biography of James Monroe, fifth president of the United States, discussing his military career, his fight for freedom and democracy in the Colonies, his appointment in the Senate, diplomatic service to England, and the establishment of the Monroe Doctrine.

Chronicles the presidency of James K. Polk, discussing his policies, views on war, most significant contributions to U.S. history, controversies, and successes.

Chronicles the life of James Buchanan, the fifteenth president, discussing his forty-year political career, the impact he had on the American government, his role in the Civil War, and the impact his stubborn personality had on his presidency.

Chronicles the life of Herbert Hoover, the thirty-first president of the United States, focusing on his term in office, during which time the stock market crashed, and describing his attempts to stabilize the starving economy.

Examines the life of Grover Cleveland, the only U.S. president ever to serve two non-consecutive terms in office, discussing his dignity and integrity, and looking at his successes and failures as leader of the country.

Presents a biography of former President Gerald R. Ford that chronicles his childhood, education, military and political service, and achievements.

Chronicles the life of George Washington, focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of his presidential leadership, from his lasting foreign and economic policies to his polarizing denunciation of political parties and his public silence about slavery.

Profiles the presidency of George H. W. Bush, discussing foreign affairs, the end of the Cold War, his encouragement of the liberation of the Soviet system, his role in the unification of Germany, the Persian Gulf War, reasons he was not reelected, and other topics.