Benjamin Harrison – 23

Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States of America. He remained the President from 1889 to 1893.

His term is notable for the addition of many new states to USA. In all, six states were added to the Union during his term. These included Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington and Montana.

These additions expanded USA towards the west, although many Democrats were opposed to it.

When and where was he born?

Benjamin Harrison was born in North Bend, Ohio on August 20, 1833.

Early Life

Benjamin Harrison was born into a famous family with a political background. His grandfather was President William Henry Harrison. His father was a member of the U.S. Congress.

He spent his early life on a farm and gained much of his early education at a small local school in Ohio. He later got admission at the University of Ohio from where he graduated.

After his graduation, Harrison developed an interest in law. At about the same time, he moved with his wife to Indianapolis. In Indianapolis, he studied law and became a lawyer after passing the bar exam.

When the American Civil War broke out, Harrison served in the Union army. He fought in the famous Union army of General Sherman and was distinguished for his valor and command. Due to these abilities, he had reached the rank of Brigadier General by the time the war ended.

Life in Politics

Harrison began his political career once the American Civil War was over. His first major success was rather humble, being elected for the position of the reporter for the Indiana Supreme Court.

He then ran for the position of the governor and failed. After two failed attempts for the seat of the Senate, he was finally elected to the Senate when he ran for the third time in 1881.

He remained a Senator until 1887. During the Presidential campaign of 1888, he was nominated as the Republican candidate against the incumbent Democrat candidate Grover Cleveland.

Although Grover Cleveland secured a lot more popular votes, Harrison was able to secure the electoral vote and became the 23rd President of USA.

Life as the President

During his Presidency, Harrison took a number of important steps. One of these was the Sherman Antitrust Act. Through this act, Harrison and the government ensured that big businesses were not allowed to create their monopolies.

Harrison also sanctioned the admission of 6 new states to the USA, significantly expanding the size of USA towards the west. His presidential term is also known for being the first time when the government budget exceeded $1 billion in peacetime.

Harrison also attempted to pass many laws related to the civil rights. However, his legislation didn’t have support in the Congress and nearly all of these laws were blocked.

Later Life and Death

The Presidential term of Benjamin Harrison ended in 1893. He didn’t run for a second term and returned to his law practice. He died a few years later on March 13, 1901 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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