Presidency of Benjamin Harrison: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Harrison-Morton_1888.jpg|thumb|Harrison-Morton_1888]] [[file:ElectoralCollege1888.svg|right|thumb|ElectoralCollege1888]] [[file:Harrison-inauguration.jpg|right|thumb|Harrison-inauguration]] [[file:BHarrison_cabinet.jpg|thumb|BHarrison_cabinet]] [[file:Harrison_Football_Political_Cartoon.jpg|thumb|Harrison_Football_Political_Cartoon]] [[file:Billion_dollar_Congress.jpg|thumb|Billion_dollar_Congress]] [[file:USS_Texas2.jpg|thumb|USS_Texas2]] {{Infobox officeholder
The '''presidency of Benjamin Harrison''' began on March 4, 1889, when Benjamin Harrison was inaugurated as the 23rd president of the [[United States]], and ended on March 4, 1893. Harrison, a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]], took office after defeating incumbent [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[Grover Cleveland]] in the [[United States presidential election, 1888|1888 presidential election]].
| name = Benjamin Harrison
| image = Benjamin Harrison, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing slightly left, 1896.jpg
| order = 23rd
| office = President of the United States
| term_start = March 4, 1889
| term_end = March 4, 1893
| vicepresident = [[Levi P. Morton]]
| predecessor = [[Grover Cleveland]]
| successor = [[Grover Cleveland]]
| birth_date = August 20, 1833
| birth_place = [[North Bend, Ohio]], U.S.
| death_date = March 13, 1901
| death_place = [[Indianapolis, Indiana]], U.S.
| party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| spouse = [[Caroline Harrison]] (m. 1853; d. 1892)
| children = 3, including [[Russell Benjamin Harrison]]
| profession = [[Lawyer]], [[Politician]]
| signature = Benjamin Harrison Signature.svg
}}


The '''Presidency of Benjamin Harrison''' began on March 4, 1889, when [[Benjamin Harrison]] was inaugurated as the 23rd [[President of the United States]], and ended on March 4, 1893. Harrison, a member of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]], was elected president in 1888, defeating the incumbent president, [[Grover Cleveland]], in the [[United States presidential election, 1888|1888 election]]. Harrison's presidency is noted for its significant legislative accomplishments and foreign policy initiatives.
== Domestic Policy ==
Harrison's administration is best known for its economic legislation, including the [[McKinley Tariff]], which imposed historic protective trade rates, and the [[Sherman Antitrust Act]], the first legislation to prohibit business combinations in restraint of trade. Harrison also facilitated the creation of the [[National Forests]] through an amendment to the [[Land Revision Act of 1891]].


== Domestic Policy ==
=== Economic Legislation ===
Harrison's administration is known for its active legislative agenda. One of the most notable pieces of legislation passed during his presidency was the [[Sherman Antitrust Act]] of 1890, which aimed to curb the power of large business monopolies. Another significant act was the [[McKinley Tariff]], which raised tariffs to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
The [[McKinley Tariff]] was passed in 1890, raising the average duty on imports to almost fifty percent, an act designed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. The [[Sherman Antitrust Act]] was also enacted in 1890, aimed at curbing concentrations of power that interfere with trade and reduce economic competition.


Harrison also supported the [[Dependent and Disability Pension Act]], which provided pensions to Civil War veterans and their families. This act significantly increased federal spending and contributed to the [[Billion-Dollar Congress]], a term used to describe the 51st United States Congress due to its unprecedented level of spending.
=== Civil Rights ===
Harrison advocated for [[African American]] voting rights and supported the [[Federal Elections Bill of 1890]], which sought to protect the voting rights of African Americans in the South. However, the bill was defeated in the [[Senate of the United States|Senate]].


== Foreign Policy ==
== Foreign Policy ==
In terms of foreign policy, Harrison's administration was marked by a proactive approach. The [[Pan-American Conference]] of 1889-1890, held in Washington, D.C., aimed to improve relations and trade between the United States and Latin American countries. Harrison also supported the construction of a modern navy, which laid the groundwork for the United States' emergence as a global naval power.
Harrison's foreign policy was characterized by vigorous promotion of [[American influence]] abroad. His administration negotiated several [[reciprocity]] treaties and sought to expand [[American trade]] and influence in [[Latin America]] and the [[Pacific]].


Harrison's administration negotiated several treaties, including the [[Bering Sea Arbitration]] with Great Britain, which resolved disputes over seal hunting rights in the Bering Sea. Additionally, Harrison's support for the [[Hawaiian Islands|annexation of Hawaii]] set the stage for its eventual annexation in 1898.
=== Latin America ===
Harrison convened the first [[Pan-American Conference]] in 1889, which led to the establishment of the [[International Union of American Republics]], a precursor to the [[Organization of American States]].


== Civil Rights ==
=== Pacific Expansion ===
Harrison was a strong advocate for civil rights and voting rights for African Americans. He supported the [[Federal Elections Bill of 1890]], also known as the Lodge Bill, which aimed to protect the voting rights of African Americans in the South. However, the bill faced strong opposition and ultimately failed to pass in the Senate.
Harrison supported the annexation of [[Hawaii]] and sent a treaty of annexation to the [[United States Senate|Senate]] in 1893, although it was not ratified until 1898 under [[William McKinley]].
 
== Economic Policy ==
Harrison's economic policies were characterized by high tariffs and increased federal spending. The [[McKinley Tariff]] of 1890 raised tariffs to historically high levels, which protected American industries but also led to higher prices for consumers. The increased federal spending during Harrison's presidency contributed to a budget surplus, but it also led to criticism and concerns about fiscal responsibility.


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
Harrison's presidency is often overshadowed by the presidencies of his predecessor, [[Grover Cleveland]], and his successor, [[Grover Cleveland]], who served non-consecutive terms. However, Harrison's administration made significant contributions to the legislative and foreign policy landscape of the United States. His support for civil rights and a modern navy had lasting impacts on the nation's development.
Harrison's presidency is often remembered for its legislative accomplishments and its efforts to expand American influence abroad. However, his failure to secure civil rights legislation and his defeat in the [[United States presidential election, 1892|1892 election]] by [[Grover Cleveland]] overshadowed his achievements.


== Related Pages ==
== See also ==
* [[Benjamin Harrison]]
* [[List of presidents of the United States]]
* [[Grover Cleveland]]
* [[History of the United States (1865–1918)]]
* [[Sherman Antitrust Act]]
== External links ==
* [[McKinley Tariff]]
* [https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/benjamin-harrison/ White House biography]
* [[Billion-Dollar Congress]]
{{USPresidents}}
* [[Federal Elections Bill of 1890]]
[[Category:Presidency of Benjamin Harrison| ]]
* [[Pan-American Conference]]
* [[Bering Sea Arbitration]]
* [[Annexation of Hawaii]]
 
[[Category:Presidency of Benjamin Harrison]]
[[Category:1889 in the United States]]
[[Category:1889 in the United States]]
[[Category:1890s in the United States]]
[[Category:1890s in the United States]]
[[Category:Republican Party (United States) politicians]]
[[Category:Republican Party (United States) politicians]]
[[Category:Presidents of the United States]]
[[Category:History of the United States (1865–1918)]]
 
<gallery>
{{US-president-stub}}
File:Benjamin Harrison, head and shoulders bw photo, 1896.jpg|Benjamin Harrison, head and shoulders photo, 1896
File:Harrison-Morton 1888.jpg|Harrison-Morton 1888
File:ElectoralCollege1888.svg|Electoral College 1888
File:Harrison-inauguration.jpg|Harrison inauguration
File:BHarrison cabinet.jpg|Benjamin Harrison cabinet
File:Benjamin Harrison (official Presidential portrait, 1895).jpg|Benjamin Harrison official Presidential portrait, 1895
File:DavidBrewer.jpg|David Brewer
File:John-Sherman-2.jpg|John Sherman
File:Harrison Football Political Cartoon.jpg|Harrison Football Political Cartoon
File:Billion dollar Congress.jpg|Billion dollar Congress
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 05:17, 3 March 2025

The presidency of Benjamin Harrison began on March 4, 1889, when Benjamin Harrison was inaugurated as the 23rd president of the United States, and ended on March 4, 1893. Harrison, a Republican, took office after defeating incumbent Democrat Grover Cleveland in the 1888 presidential election.

Domestic Policy[edit]

Harrison's administration is best known for its economic legislation, including the McKinley Tariff, which imposed historic protective trade rates, and the Sherman Antitrust Act, the first legislation to prohibit business combinations in restraint of trade. Harrison also facilitated the creation of the National Forests through an amendment to the Land Revision Act of 1891.

Economic Legislation[edit]

The McKinley Tariff was passed in 1890, raising the average duty on imports to almost fifty percent, an act designed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. The Sherman Antitrust Act was also enacted in 1890, aimed at curbing concentrations of power that interfere with trade and reduce economic competition.

Civil Rights[edit]

Harrison advocated for African American voting rights and supported the Federal Elections Bill of 1890, which sought to protect the voting rights of African Americans in the South. However, the bill was defeated in the Senate.

Foreign Policy[edit]

Harrison's foreign policy was characterized by vigorous promotion of American influence abroad. His administration negotiated several reciprocity treaties and sought to expand American trade and influence in Latin America and the Pacific.

Latin America[edit]

Harrison convened the first Pan-American Conference in 1889, which led to the establishment of the International Union of American Republics, a precursor to the Organization of American States.

Pacific Expansion[edit]

Harrison supported the annexation of Hawaii and sent a treaty of annexation to the Senate in 1893, although it was not ratified until 1898 under William McKinley.

Legacy[edit]

Harrison's presidency is often remembered for its legislative accomplishments and its efforts to expand American influence abroad. However, his failure to secure civil rights legislation and his defeat in the 1892 election by Grover Cleveland overshadowed his achievements.

See also[edit]

External links[edit]