10 Benjamin Harrison Accomplishments and Achievements

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, served from 1889 to 1893 during a period of rapid economic growth, industrialization, and political change.

His administration was marked by significant legislative achievements, foreign policy advancements, and efforts to address civil rights and veterans’ welfare.

A firm believer in protecting American industry and expanding the nation’s global influence, Harrison left a lasting legacy despite facing challenges such as rising consumer discontent and political opposition.

From modernizing the Navy to championing conservation efforts, Harrison’s presidency laid the groundwork for important future developments that would shape the country’s economic, political, and environmental landscape.

Accomplishments of Benjamin Harrison

1. Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)

The Sherman Antitrust Act was a major legislative accomplishment under Benjamin Harrison, marking the first federal effort to curb monopolistic practices and promote fair competition in the marketplace.

At the time, powerful trusts, such as those in oil, steel, and railroads, had gained immense control over their respective industries, stifling smaller competitors and driving up prices. By signing the Sherman Antitrust Act into law, Harrison laid the foundation for regulating corporate monopolies.

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Although the act was initially difficult to enforce due to vague language and judicial resistance, it eventually became a cornerstone of antitrust legislation in the United States, with later administrations, including Theodore Roosevelt’s, utilizing it effectively to break up large trusts.

Benjamin Harrison

2. McKinley Tariff Act (1890)

The McKinley Tariff Act of 1890, passed during Harrison’s presidency, dramatically raised tariffs on imported goods to protect American manufacturers and industries from foreign competition.

It was championed by Representative William McKinley and supported by Harrison as part of a broader Republican economic strategy favoring high tariffs. The tariff aimed to encourage domestic production by making foreign goods more expensive.

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While it succeeded in protecting American industries, it also led to higher prices for consumers, causing widespread dissatisfaction and contributing to the Republican Party’s losses in the 1890 midterm elections. The act remains significant as it highlights the period’s debate over protectionism versus free trade.

3. Expansion of the U.S. Navy

Under Benjamin Harrison’s leadership, the U.S. Navy underwent a major transformation from a small, outdated fleet to a modern force capable of projecting American power globally.

Recognizing the strategic importance of naval dominance, Harrison supported the construction of new steel-hulled warships, marking a shift from wooden sailing vessels to more technologically advanced ships.

His administration oversaw the building of battleships like the USS Indiana, which would play pivotal roles in future conflicts. By modernizing the Navy, Harrison helped set the stage for the United States’ emergence as a global naval power during the Spanish-American War and beyond, a key aspect of America’s rise to international prominence.

4. Landmark Civil Rights Legislation (Failed Efforts)

Harrison was an advocate for civil rights and made significant efforts to protect African American voting rights during a time when Southern states were increasingly enacting discriminatory laws to suppress Black voters.

He supported the Federal Elections Bill of 1890, also known as the Lodge Bill, which aimed to ensure federal oversight of elections in the South to prevent voter intimidation and fraud.

While the bill passed in the House of Representatives, it was blocked in the Senate due to opposition from Southern Democrats and some Northern Republicans. Although the bill failed, Harrison’s support highlighted his belief in racial equality and the need for federal intervention to protect the rights of African Americans.

Benjamin Harrison

5. The First Pan-American Conference (1889-1890)

Harrison’s administration played a pivotal role in organizing the First Pan-American Conference, held in Washington, D.C., from 1889 to 1890. This conference was a significant step toward fostering closer relations between the United States and Latin American countries.

It sought to promote cooperation on trade, arbitration of disputes, and mutual defense, with the broader goal of creating a unified Western Hemisphere.

Although the conference did not lead to immediate large-scale agreements, it established the groundwork for future Pan-American relations and paved the way for the creation of the Pan-American Union, a precursor to the modern Organization of American States (OAS).

6. Admitted Six New States to the Union

Harrison’s presidency saw an unprecedented expansion of the Union, with six new states admitted during his time in office.

These states—North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming—were part of the continuing westward expansion of the United States. Harrison’s administration capitalized on the growing populations and economic development in these territories, ensuring their swift transition to statehood.

This expansion was politically significant, as it strengthened Republican influence in Congress. It also reflected the nation’s growing industrial and agricultural capabilities in the West, which contributed to the U.S. becoming a more geographically diverse and powerful nation.

7. The Dependent and Disability Pension Act (1890)

Harrison’s support for veterans was exemplified by the passage of the Dependent and Disability Pension Act, which expanded federal benefits for Union veterans of the Civil War and their dependents.

This legislation provided pensions not only to veterans who had been injured in service but also to those who were disabled later in life, regardless of whether their disabilities were service-related. Widows and children of veterans were also eligible for support.

The act was immensely popular among Civil War veterans, who formed a significant political base for the Republican Party. However, the law significantly increased federal expenditures, contributing to budget deficits and long-term debates over entitlement programs.

Benjamin Harrison

8. Preservation of National Forests

Harrison’s contributions to the conservation movement were notable, especially through the signing of the Forest Reserve Act of 1891.

This act allowed the president to set aside public lands as protected national forests, a significant step in preserving the country’s natural resources during an era of rapid industrialization and westward expansion. Harrison designated over 13 million acres of forest reserves, marking the beginning of federal conservation efforts.

His actions laid the foundation for future conservation initiatives, including those championed by President Theodore Roosevelt, and signaled a growing awareness of the need to protect the nation’s natural environment for future generations.

9. Signed the Sherman Silver Purchase Act (1890)

The Sherman Silver Purchase Act was part of a broader debate over monetary policy during the late 19th century. Farmers and silver miners pushed for the increased use of silver in the currency system to combat deflation and make debt repayment easier.

The act required the federal government to purchase large quantities of silver and issue currency backed by it, in addition to gold-backed currency. While it initially boosted the silver market, the act contributed to the depletion of gold reserves and exacerbated the financial instability that led to the Panic of 1893. The controversy surrounding this act reflected the deep divisions over monetary policy during Harrison’s presidency.

10. Foreign Policy Successes (Hawaiian Annexation and Pacific Expansion)

Harrison pursued an expansionist foreign policy, reflecting a growing belief in America’s destiny to exert influence beyond its borders. His administration negotiated a treaty to annex Hawaii, recognizing its strategic importance for trade and military positioning in the Pacific.

Although the annexation was delayed due to political opposition and not finalized until 1898 under President McKinley, Harrison’s efforts demonstrated his commitment to securing American interests in the region.

Additionally, Harrison’s involvement in the Berlin Conference of 1889 helped resolve disputes in Samoa, giving the United States a foothold in the Pacific. His foreign policy laid the groundwork for America’s increased presence in international affairs during the 20th century.