Chester A. Arthur

Definition

Chester A. Arthur was the 21st President of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885. He came to power after the assassination of James A. Garfield and is often associated with the politics of the Gilded Age, a time marked by corruption, patronage, and rapid economic growth. Arthur's administration is notable for its efforts at reforming the civil service and reducing corruption within government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chester A. Arthur was initially seen as a supporter of the patronage system, but he surprised many by advocating for civil service reform once he took office.
2. His presidency witnessed the passage of the Pendleton Act, which established a more meritocratic system for hiring federal employees.
3. Arthur focused on modernizing the U.S. Navy and advocated for improvements in naval technology and shipbuilding during his time in office.
4. Despite being a product of the political machine, Arthur's administration worked to clean up government practices and reduce corruption.
5. Arthur did not seek re-election in 1884 due to his declining health and public opposition to his candidacy from various factions within the Republican Party.

Review Questions

• How did Chester A. Arthur's presidency reflect the challenges of the Gilded Age, particularly regarding political corruption?
  • Chester A. Arthur's presidency highlighted the tension between patronage and reform during the Gilded Age. Initially seen as a product of the corrupt political machine, he took unexpected steps toward reform by promoting the Pendleton Act, which aimed to establish merit-based hiring practices in government positions. This shift represented a broader struggle against rampant corruption that characterized this era, as Arthur navigated pressures from both reformers and those who supported the existing patronage system.
• In what ways did Chester A. Arthur contribute to civil service reform, and what were the implications of these reforms?
  • Chester A. Arthur's administration made significant strides in civil service reform, most notably through his support of the Pendleton Act. This law established a merit-based system for federal employment, reducing reliance on patronage and political connections for job appointments. The implications were profound, as it laid the groundwork for future reforms aimed at professionalizing government service and reducing corruption, marking a pivotal shift in how public officials were selected.
• Evaluate Chester A. Arthur's legacy in relation to both his political actions and his impact on future administrations during a time of transformation in American politics.
  • Chester A. Arthur's legacy is complex; he began as a figure emblematic of Gilded Age politics but transformed into an advocate for reform during his presidency. His support for civil service reform through measures like the Pendleton Act helped pave the way for more accountable governance in subsequent administrations. Moreover, his focus on modernizing the Navy demonstrated an early recognition of America's emerging role on the global stage. Ultimately, Arthur's presidency serves as a critical case study in balancing entrenched political norms with necessary reforms amidst a rapidly changing political landscape.

Related terms

Pendleton Act: A law passed in 1883 that established a merit-based system for federal employment, aiming to curb the patronage system and reduce corruption.

Stalwarts:

A faction of the Republican Party during the late 19th century that supported political patronage and opposed civil service reform.

Gilded Age:

A term used to describe the late 19th century in American history, characterized by economic growth, political corruption, and social upheaval.