Benjamin Harrison

Birth-Death: (1833 - 1901 ) Term: (1889-1893 )

President Harrison encouraged internal improvements in the United States, signing numerous bills which ultimately gave Congress a budget of 1 billion dollars. When faced with the tariff issue, Harrison tried to reach a compromise by adding provisions to stimulate productivity. Ultimately, however, the nation began moving into a depression as Harrison left office.

Domestic Events of Benjamin Harrison

    The trusts were almost at the peak of their power, and many of the major businesses were plagued by monopolies and high prices. One of the first attempts to limit this growth was the Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890. The Act passed unanimously since both parties had promised trust regulations in their platforms. However, the act itself was very weak, having extremely vague language. As a result, even though trusts were attacked none were dismembered.

    The tariff was also a major issue during these years. The Republicans, led by William McKinley, advocated a high protective tariff, and after the Party promised silver legislation to the West the bill passed through Congress. In conjunction with the McKinley Tariff the Sherman Silver Purchase Act was passed. It provided that the government would buy 4.5 million ounces of silver at market price monthly. The western farmers, however, were still pushing for free and unlimited coinage of silver and the conflict came to its climax during the 1896 election campaign.

    The Granger movement became more and more powerful during this time period. It would culminate with the election of 1892 and the Omaha platform. The Omaha platform illustrated the demands of farmers and advocated reforms of the government - a graduated income tax, the direct election of Senators, use of secret ballots, and other reforms.