southwold-scene.com – Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, served from 1889 to 1893, a period marked by economic growth, territorial expansion, and the rise of the United States as a global power. Though Harrison’s presidency is often overshadowed by the more dominant figures of the era, his time in office played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the country. His presidency, while not without challenges, contributed significantly to the modernization of the United States in several key areas, including economic policy, foreign relations, military expansion, and civil rights.
This article explores the legacy of Benjamin Harrison’s presidency and how his actions paved the way for the United States’ rise as an industrialized, international power.
A Vision of Progress: The McKinley Tariff and Economic Growth
One of Benjamin Harrison’s most significant legislative achievements was the McKinley Tariff of 1890, which was one of the most protective tariffs in American history. The tariff, named after Congressman William McKinley, raised import duties on foreign goods to protect U.S. manufacturers from competition. Harrison supported the tariff with the belief that it would stimulate the domestic economy by encouraging industrial growth and preserving American jobs.
The Economic Impacts of the McKinley Tariff
The McKinley Tariff was a key piece of Harrison’s economic policy. Its passage was a controversial but important development in American history, as it marked a shift towards protectionism, a policy that would dominate U.S. trade policy throughout much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The tariff raised duties on a wide variety of imported goods, including textiles, iron, and agricultural products, which helped to shield American industries from the influx of cheaper foreign goods.
While the tariff helped American manufacturers and business interests, it also had negative effects on certain sectors of the economy. Consumer prices rose as a result of higher tariffs, and agricultural producers, especially those in the South and West, were hurt by the increased costs of imported goods. This led to significant criticism of Harrison and the Republican Party, with many voters in agricultural areas calling for tariff reform.
Despite its divisiveness, the McKinley Tariff marked a turning point in American economic policy. It was one of the first major attempts to protect U.S. industries at a time when the country was rapidly industrializing. Harrison’s support for such policies helped set the stage for future debates about the role of government in regulating trade and the economy.
The Sherman Antitrust Act
Another important aspect of Harrison’s economic legacy was his support for the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. The act was designed to combat monopolies and encourage fair competition in the marketplace. While it was initially weak in enforcement, it became a critical piece of legislation in the development of antitrust law in the United States.
Harrison, who had witnessed the rise of powerful corporations during his time in public life, recognized the dangers posed by monopolistic practices. He supported the Sherman Antitrust Act as part of his broader effort to ensure that the benefits of economic growth were shared more equitably. Although the act was not fully enforced during Harrison’s administration, it laid the groundwork for future legal challenges to monopolies and provided a foundation for the progressive reforms of the early 20th century.
Expansion of U.S. Influence: The Annexation of Hawaii
Another important aspect of Benjamin Harrison’s presidency was his pursuit of an aggressive foreign policy, particularly in the Pacific. One of the most significant events during Harrison’s time in office was the annexation of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893.
Harrison, along with key members of his administration, saw Hawaii as an essential strategic location for the United States, particularly for its potential as a naval base and a center for trade in the Pacific region. The annexation of Hawaii was part of a broader effort by the United States to expand its influence beyond North America and assert its power on the global stage.
The Role of Strategic Interests
Harrison’s push for annexation was fueled by both economic and military concerns. The Hawaiian Islands were an important location for U.S. commercial interests, particularly the sugar industry, and the United States had long maintained a military presence in the region. By annexing Hawaii, Harrison hoped to secure the country’s economic interests and ensure its dominance in the Pacific.
Although the annexation was ultimately delayed until after Harrison left office—due to political opposition and the death of his presidency—his efforts marked the beginning of a broader U.S. imperialist policy that would continue to shape American foreign policy in the decades to come. The annexation of Hawaii was a precursor to the United States’ increasing involvement in Pacific and Asian affairs in the 20th century, culminating in events such as the Spanish-American War.
Strengthening the U.S. Military
During his presidency, Benjamin Harrison recognized the importance of modernizing the U.S. military and ensuring that the country had a strong defense in an increasingly complex and globalized world. Harrison supported the expansion and modernization of the U.S. Navy, which he saw as essential to projecting American power abroad.
The Rise of the U.S. Navy
Under Harrison’s leadership, the U.S. Navy began a period of significant expansion and modernization. The United States started to invest in new warships and military technology, moving away from its traditional reliance on older, wooden vessels to more modern steel ships. This shift helped to establish the United States as a major naval power by the end of the 19th century.
The growth of the U.S. Navy during Harrison’s presidency was an important step toward ensuring that the country could defend its expanding interests overseas. The military buildup also played a role in shaping America’s future foreign policy, particularly in the years leading up to the Spanish-American War in 1898, during which the U.S. Navy would play a key role in defeating Spain and expanding American influence in the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Civil Rights and the Struggle for Equality
While Benjamin Harrison’s presidency is often associated with economic progress and territorial expansion, his record on civil rights is more mixed. Harrison was a firm believer in equality and fairness, and he supported certain civil rights measures during his time in office, including advocating for the protection of African American voting rights.
However, his administration struggled to make significant strides in racial equality. Harrison did not push for comprehensive federal civil rights legislation during his presidency, and the issue of segregation and discrimination persisted in the South. The late 19th century was a time of increasing racial tension, with Southern states enacting Jim Crow laws that institutionalized racial segregation and disenfranchised African American voters.
Despite these challenges, Harrison did make important appointments during his presidency. He was the first president to appoint an African American to a high-ranking government position, nominating John Mercer Langston as the U.S. minister to Haiti. Additionally, Harrison spoke out against lynching and other forms of racial violence, although he did not have the political power to enact major reforms.
Conclusion: A Presidency of Progress
Benjamin Harrison’s presidency was one of progress, marked by significant developments in economic policy, military expansion, and foreign relations. His support for the McKinley Tariff and the Sherman Antitrust Act helped shape the economic landscape of the United States, while his efforts to expand U.S. influence abroad set the stage for the nation’s rise as a global power in the 20th century.
Harrison’s legacy, however, is not without its complexities. His administration faced challenges in addressing the pressing social issues of the day, including racial discrimination and civil rights. Nonetheless, his presidency was a pivotal moment in American history, as it marked a time of transition for the country—one that saw the United States solidifying its position as an industrialized and imperial power.
While Benjamin Harrison may not be as widely remembered as some of his contemporaries, his presidency was crucial to the nation’s development, and his efforts to modernize the country laid the foundation for many of the transformations that would take place in the decades that followed. Harrison’s legacy is one of progress, both in the political and economic arenas, as well as in the United States’ growing influence on the world stage.