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10 January 2009 

Today at VOA:

News in 45 Languages

The Making of a Nation

Every Thursday, Special English broadcasts a fifteen-minute program in a series about American history. For earlier programs, enter "Making of a Nation" with quotation marks in the search box at the top right.


Martin Van Buren
On THE MAKING OF A NATION: Martin Van Buren said "over-banking and over-trading" caused the economic crisis. Business owners said the government was to blame.

  • American History Series: New President Deals with Old Problems  Audio Clip Available
  • Christmas in America During the 19th Century  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: Jackson, 'the People's Friend,' Leaves Office  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: Trouble Grows Deep in the Heart of Texas  Audio Clip Available
  • US History Series: Jefferson Suspends Trade with Europe in 1807  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: Jackson's Victory Over the Bank of the US  Audio Clip Available
  • US History: As Jackson Aims to Shut Bank, an Economic Crisis Results  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: Debating the Powerful Bank of the US  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: Bank of the United States Worries Jackson  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: For President Jackson, a Question of States' Rights  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: Split Divides Jackson, Vice President Calhoun  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: Tragedy Hits as Jackson Prepares for Presidency  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: In Election of 1828, a Bitter Campaign  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: John Quincy Adams, a Man Raised to Serve  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: In Election of 1824, a Clash of Personalities    Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: Monroe Dislikes but Signs Missouri Compromise  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: Monroe Doctrine Warns Europe Not to Interfere in the Americas  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: James Monroe Easily Wins Election in 1816  Audio Clip Available
  • American History Series: War of 1812 Ends With Treaty of Ghent  Audio Clip Available