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Chester Arthur21st President of the United States
Date of Birth: 05.10.1829
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Chester Arthur
- Early Political Career
- Customs Chief and Vice Presidency
- Presidency and Reforms
- Controversies and Legacy
Biography of Chester Arthur
Born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont, Chester Arthur became the 21st President of the United States. He attended Union College in Schenectady, where he also worked as a teacher until graduating in 1848. After being admitted to the bar, Arthur opened his own law firm in New York City in 1856. He held strong anti-slavery beliefs and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Republican Party in the state of New York.
Early Political Career
By 1860, Arthur had earned a prominent position as the "chief operator" under the Republican governor of New York. With the onset of the Civil War, Arthur's role became more significant. He oversaw military fortification efforts in the New York port and later served as the Quartermaster General, responsible for supplying and servicing the state's volunteer army. After being elected as a Democrat governor in 1863, Arthur returned to his law practice. However, his knowledge and connections helped him rise within the Republican Party organization.
Customs Chief and Vice Presidency
Arthur's loyalty to President Grant and active participation in Senator R. Conkling's election campaign led to his appointment as the head of the New York Customs House in 1871. In 1876, Arthur led the anti-reformist forces supporting Conkling at the Republican National Convention, securing all of New York's votes for R. Hayes and preventing J. Blaine from becoming president. However, disagreements between President Hayes' administration and Conkling eventually led to Arthur's resignation from his position.
Presidency and Reforms
In 1880, Arthur's political machine, along with Conkling, exerted tremendous pressure on the Blaine faction during the Republican National Convention. This compelled them to choose J. Garfield as the presidential candidate and nominate Arthur for the vice presidency. When Garfield was fatally wounded on July 2, 1881, Arthur assumed the presidency on September 19. Despite opposition from his own party, Arthur held several prominent Republicans accountable for their involvement in corrupt practices.
Controversies and Legacy
Arthur vetoed Congress' appropriations for river and harbor improvements in 1882, as well as a bill aimed at excluding Chinese immigrants from the United States. Both vetoes were overridden by Congress. Additionally, Arthur's appointment of capable individuals to the Civil Service Commission caused confusion among his former supporters. Despite his efforts to reduce the national debt and propose a new program for naval fleet construction, Arthur failed to regain the support of the Republicans in the 1884 presidential election.
Chester Arthur passed away on November 18, 1886, in New York City. His presidency was marked by efforts to combat corruption, implement civil service reforms, and address controversial issues of the time, such as Chinese immigration. Although his presidency was not without its controversies, Arthur's legacy includes his commitment to reform and his role in shaping the Republican Party of his era.
