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Throughout his career, Van Buren held high offices, including Attorney General of New York, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State, leading eventually to the presidency. However, his tenure was marred by conflicts, notably the Peggy Eaton scandal, which challenged his political career dramatically. Van Buren's efforts to navigate this controversy saw him appointed as minister to Great Britain; however, his nomination was ultimately blocked, marking a critical point of vulnerability in his career.