Benjamin Harrison: A Legacy of Progress and Reform

Early Life and Career

Benjamin Harrison was born in North Bend, Ohio, on August 20, 1833. His father, John Scott Harrison, was a prominent Whig politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as the ninth President of the United States. Harrison's mother, Elizabeth Irwin Harrison, was a devout Christian who instilled in him a strong work ethic and moral compass.

Benjamin Harrison (Presidents of the U.S.A.)

by Sandra Francis

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25174 KB
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Print length	:	48 pages

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Harrison graduated from Miami University in 1852 and then studied law at the Cincinnati Law School. He was admitted to the bar in 1854 and began practicing law in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Harrison was a successful lawyer and quickly rose through the ranks of the Indiana Republican Party. He served in the Indiana Senate from 1860 to 1862 and then as the 23rd Governor of Indiana from 1881 to 1887.

Presidency

In 1888, Harrison was elected President of the United States. He defeated the incumbent Democrat, Grover Cleveland, by a narrow margin of 100,000 votes.

Harrison's presidency was marked by a number of significant achievements, including:

• The passage of the Sherman Antitrust Act, which outlawed monopolies and other anti-competitive practices.
• The establishment of the Yellowstone National Park.
• The creation of the National Grange, a farmers' organization that advocated for agricultural reform.
• The passage of the McKinley Tariff, which raised tariffs on imported goods to protect American industries.

Harrison also made significant strides in the area of civil rights. He appointed the first African American to a cabinet position, Frederick Douglass, and he signed the Dawes Act, which granted citizenship to Native Americans and allotted them land.

Later Life and Legacy

Harrison left office in 1893 and returned to Indianapolis. He continued to practice law and remained active in Republican politics. He died in 1901 at the age of 67.

Harrison is remembered as a progressive and reform-minded president. His legacy includes a number of important achievements that helped shape the United States into the nation it is today.

Benjamin Harrison (Presidents of the U.S.A.)

by Sandra Francis

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25174 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	48 pages

FREE