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Benjamin Harrison

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Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd president of the United States.

Benjamin Harrison c1850
Benjamin Harrison c1850

He served in this role from 1889 to 1893. Harrison belonged to a very famous American family. His grandfather, William Henry Harrison, was the ninth president. His great-grandfather, Benjamin Harrison V, was a Founding Father who signed the Declaration of Independence. Although his family was distinguished, they were not wealthy. His father, John Scott Harrison, used much of his farm income to pay for his children's education.

After graduating from Miami University in 1852, Harrison studied law.

Harrison, Hon. B. Pres. Crop
Harrison, Hon. B. Pres. Crop

He married Caroline Scott in 1853, and they had two children, Russell and Mary. In 1854, the couple moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. Harrison began his professional life as a lawyer and a court crier. As a crier, he earned $2.50 per day. He also became a leader in the local Presbyterian church. He joined the Republican Party in 1856 and began a long career in politics.

When the American Civil War began, Harrison joined the Union Army.

General Benjamin Harrison--"Come on boys!" - Battle of Resaca - May 13th to 16th 1864
General Benjamin Harrison--"Come on boys!" - Battle of Resaca - May 13th to 16th 1864

He first helped recruit a regiment in northern Indiana. He was commissioned as a captain and later became a colonel of the 70th Indiana.

General-Benjamin-Harrison-in-uniform,-1865
General-Benjamin-Harrison-in-uniform,-1865

During the Atlanta campaign, Harrison commanded a brigade. He was known as a strong leader who cared for his men. He often used the catchphrase, "Come on, boys!" to encourage them. In 1865, the U.S. Senate confirmed him as a brevet brigadier general.

In 1888, Harrison won the presidency by defeating the incumbent, Grover Cleveland.

ElectoralCollege1888
ElectoralCollege1888

This election was unique because Harrison won the Electoral College but lost the popular vote. His administration was marked by significant economic legislation. He supported the McKinley Tariff, which set high protective trade rates. He also signed the Sherman Antitrust Act to regulate business. These laws were meant to shape the American economy during a time of rapid change.

During his term, Harrison worked to protect natural resources and expand the nation.

John-Sherman-2
John-Sherman-2

He helped create national forest reserves through an amendment to the Land Revision Act of 1891. He also oversaw the admission of six western states into the Union. Harrison worked to modernize the U.S. Navy to make it more powerful.

USS Texas2
USS Texas2

Because of high revenues from tariffs, federal spending reached $1 billion for the first time. This large amount of money was a major milestone in U.S. history.

However, some of Harrison's most important goals were not achieved. He proposed laws to secure federal education funding. He also tried to pass laws to enforce voting rights for African Americans. These proposals were unsuccessful in Congress. Additionally, the high level of federal spending and high tariffs became unpopular. This led to the Republican Party losing the midterm elections in 1890. In 1892, Grover Cleveland defeated Harrison, making Harrison the first president to be succeeded by his predecessor.

After leaving the White House, Harrison returned to his law practice in Indianapolis.

Benjamin Harrison Home
Benjamin Harrison Home

In 1899, he even represented Venezuela in a boundary dispute with the United Kingdom in Paris. He eventually returned to Indiana, where he lived until his death in 1901. He died from complications caused by influenza.

Grave of President Benjamin Harrison and his two wives in Indianapolis, Indiana
Grave of President Benjamin Harrison and his two wives in Indianapolis, Indiana

While historians often rank him as an average president, many praise his integrity and his commitment to civil rights.

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🖼️ Images & Media (26)
File:JSHarrison.jpg
JSHarrison.jpg
File:Benjamin Harrison c1850.jpg
Benjamin Harrison c1850.jpg
File:General Benjamin Harrison--"Come on boys!" - Battle of Resaca - May 13th to 16th 1864.jpg
General Benjamin Harrison--"Come on...
File:General-Benjamin-Harrison-in-uniform,-1865.jpg
General-Benjamin-Harrison-in-uniform,-1865.jpg
File:Battle of Resaca--May 13 to 16, 1864.jpg
Battle of Resaca--May 13 to 16, 1864.jpg
File:Benjamin Harrison Home.jpg
Benjamin Harrison Home.jpg
File:Walter Q. Gresham - Brady-Handy.jpg
Walter Q. Gresham - Brady-Handy.jpg
File:Harrison, Hon. B. Pres. Crop.jpg
Harrison, Hon. B. Pres. Crop.jpg
File:Harrison-Morton 1888.jpg
Harrison-Morton 1888.jpg
File:ElectoralCollege1888.svg
ElectoralCollege1888.svg
File:Harrison-inauguration (edit).jpg
Harrison-inauguration (edit).jpg
File:Puck cover 8 May 1889 President Harrison.jpg
Puck cover 8 May 1889 President Harrison.jpg

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