Chester Arthur Presidency
Chester Arthur was the 21st President of the United States of America during 1881-1885. He was a lawyer before being sworn in as President. Chester Arthur was from North Fairfield, Vermont, and graduated from Union College to study law. His father was a Baptist minister. |
From 1856, he became actively involved in the Republican Party, siding with the Stalwarts faction. He was appointed as the Collector of the New York Port in 1871 by then President.
In 1880, for the post of President and Vice-President, James Garfield was nominated for contesting the Presidency, and Chester Arthur for the post of Vice-President. Although it was a close call, the Republican Party emerged winners and Garfield was sworn in as the 20th President and Chester Arthur as the Vice-President.
In 1881, President Garfield was shot at in July, but it was due to infection and improper medical treatment that he died in September. So, Chester Arthur succeeded President Garfield as the 21st President, while never being elected.
Although President Arthur belonged to the Stalwarts, he went against them and brought about a lot of civil reforms by the Pendelton Civil Service Act. Another significant piece of legislation during his term was the Chinese Exclusion Act that had more negative effects. He also signed the Tariff Act of 1883.
The Chinese Exclusion Act was in the wake of extreme anti-Chinese feelings to stop immigration of the Chinese, initially vetoed by President Arthur. But eventually he had to sign it that obstructed immigration for 10 years. The Act was repealed only in 1943.
Alexander K. McClure had said about Chester Arthur, "No man ever entered the Presidency so profoundly and widely distrusted, and no one ever retired ... more generally respected."
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