Chester A. Arthur Biography
Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, served from 1881 to 1885. Often an overlooked figure in American political history, Arthur’s presidency was marked by civil service reform and efforts to modernize the U.S. Navy. Born into modest circumstances, he ascended to the presidency following the assassination of President James A. Garfield. Arthur’s tenure in office demonstrated a surprising transformation from a machine politician to a reform-minded leader, navigating the complexities of the Gilded Age.
Early Life and Education
Chester Alan Arthur was born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont. His parents, William Arthur and Malvina Stone Arthur, were of modest means; his father was a Baptist preacher and a fervent abolitionist, which influenced Arthur’s early views on slavery (Reeves, 1975). The family moved frequently due to his father’s vocation, which provided Arthur with a diverse and somewhat unstable childhood.Â
Arthur excelled academically, attending Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he graduated in 1848. His time at Union College was formative, as he was exposed to a broad curriculum and became involved in campus politics, which sparked his interest in a public career (Karabell, 2004).
Legal Career and Political Ascent
After college, Arthur pursued a career in law, studying under Erastus D. Culver, a prominent New York lawyer and abolitionist. He was admitted to the bar in 1854 and established a successful practice in New York City. Arthur’s early legal career was marked by his involvement in high-profile civil rights cases. Notably, he won the Lemmon Slave Case in 1852, which freed eight slaves who had been brought into New York by their Virginia owners (Reeves, 1975). This case elevated Arthur’s reputation and aligned him with the Republican Party’s anti-slavery platform.
Arthur’s political ascent began in earnest when he became associated with the political machine of Senator Roscoe Conkling of New York. Conkling was a leader of the Stalwart faction of the Republican Party, which favored patronage and opposed civil service reform. Arthur’s loyalty to Conkling secured him the position of Collector of the Port of New York in 1871, a lucrative and influential post responsible for managing the nation’s busiest customs house (Karabell, 2004).
Civil Service Reform and Vice Presidency
As Collector, Arthur was known for his efficient management but also for his participation in the spoils system, which involved rewarding political supporters with government jobs. His tenure was marred by allegations of corruption, though no charges were proven. President Rutherford B. Hayes sought to reform the spoils system and demanded Arthur’s resignation in 1878, a move that was highly contentious (Reeves, 1975).
Arthur’s political fortunes changed dramatically in 1880 when he was selected as James A. Garfield’s vice-presidential running mate. This selection was largely a strategic move to appease the Stalwart faction and balance the ticket. Garfield and Arthur won the election, but their administration was soon rocked by turmoil.
Presidency: From Accidental President to Reformer
Following the assassination of President Garfield in 1881, Arthur assumed the presidency amid widespread skepticism. Many doubted his ability to lead, given his background as a machine politician. However, Arthur surprised his critics by advocating for civil service reform and distancing himself from his former allies in the Stalwart faction (Karabell, 2004).
One of Arthur’s most significant achievements was the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883. This landmark legislation established a merit-based system for federal employment, effectively curtailing the spoils system. The Act created the Civil Service Commission and introduced competitive exams for certain government positions, laying the foundation for modern civil service (Hendrickson, 1981).
Foreign Policy and Naval Modernization
Arthur’s presidency also saw a focus on foreign policy and military modernization. He advocated for the construction of a modern navy, recognizing the importance of naval power in an era of expanding global influence. Arthur’s administration laid the groundwork for the “New Navy,” which included steel-hulled warships and advanced naval technology, marking a significant shift from the outdated wooden fleet (Reeves, 1975).
In terms of foreign policy, Arthur navigated complex issues such as immigration and international trade. He signed the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882, reflecting the era’s prevalent anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly against Chinese laborers. While controversial, this legislation was a response to economic pressures and racial tensions in the American West (Hendrickson, 1981).
Legacy and Later Life
Arthur chose not to seek re-election in 1884, partly due to health issues; he suffered from Bright’s disease, a kidney ailment. After leaving office, he retired to private life in New York City, where he focused on his legal practice and charitable activities. Arthur died on November 18, 1886, at the age of 57 (Reeves, 1975).
Despite initial skepticism about his presidency, Arthur’s commitment to civil service reform and efforts to modernize the U.S. Navy left a lasting impact. Historians have gradually reassessed his legacy, recognizing his role in advancing significant reforms and navigating the challenges of his time with unexpected integrity and effectiveness (Karabell, 2004).
Final Summary
Chester A. Arthur’s presidency is a study in contrasts and transformation. From a political operative entrenched in the spoils system, he evolved into a reform-minded leader who championed merit-based government employment and modernized the nation’s military capabilities. Arthur’s journey from the shadows of machine politics to the forefront of national reform underscores the complexities of leadership and the potential for change within the highest office in the United States.
References
Hendrickson, D. C. (1981). Reforming the Reformed: Chester A. Arthur and the Pendleton Act. Political Science Quarterly, 96(2), 291-309.
Karabell, Z. (2004). Chester Alan Arthur. Times Books.
Reeves, T. C. (1975). Gentleman Boss: The Life of Chester Alan Arthur. Alfred A. Knopf.