The Gilded Age Reformer: Chester A. Arthur’s Forgotten Impact
johnbowe.info – Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, is often overshadowed by other figures of the Gilded Age, such as Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Carnegie, and Grover Cleveland. His presidency, which lasted from 1881 to 1885, is frequently dismissed as inconsequential or a mere interlude in a period of political corruption and economic inequality. However, Arthur’s presidency was far more transformative than his reputation suggests. A former political machine boss and a man deeply entrenched in the corrupt patronage system of his time, Arthur underwent a remarkable transformation, making strides toward reform in ways that have been largely forgotten in the historical narrative.
Arthur’s most significant achievement—the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act—helped reshape the federal government, creating a more efficient and merit-based system of appointments. His actions in modernizing the U.S. Navy, expanding infrastructure, and contributing to the regulation of Chinese immigration marked his administration as one of surprising change in an era often characterized by stagnation and corruption. In this article, we will explore the forgotten impact of Chester A. Arthur, examining how his presidency, rooted in political machine politics, eventually became a force for reform and modernization in the United States.
A Political Boss’s Rise to Power
Early Life and Legal Career
Chester Alan Arthur was born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont, to William and Malvina Arthur. Raised in a religious, abolitionist family, Arthur was academically gifted, earning a scholarship to Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he graduated in 1848. He pursued a law degree, establishing a successful legal career in New York City, where he quickly rose to prominence as an attorney. Arthur’s early work in law, however, was not as impactful as his entry into political life.
Arthur’s career in politics began to take shape during the 1850s when he became involved with the Republican Party and the emerging political machines in New York. In 1868, he was appointed the Collector of the Port of New York by President Ulysses S. Grant. The position was immensely powerful, allowing Arthur to oversee customs and revenue collection, which came with significant political influence. The port job made him a key figure in the Stalwart faction of the Republican Party, led by Senator Roscoe Conkling. Stalwarts supported the use of political patronage—awarding government jobs to political allies and supporters.
Arthur’s association with the spoils system, which was the hallmark of the Gilded Age, was a central aspect of his career. He managed patronage distribution with efficiency, but his ties to political corruption soon became notorious. In this environment, Arthur seemed destined to remain a loyal servant of political machines, perpetuating the same practices of cronyism and favoritism that had long shaped American politics.
The Unexpected Vice Presidency
In 1880, after years of consolidating power within the Republican Party, Arthur’s political trajectory took a dramatic turn when he was nominated as vice president on the ticket with James A. Garfield, a moderate Republican candidate. Garfield’s election was part of a compromise between the Stalwarts and the reform-minded Republicans, who hoped to balance the party’s factions. Arthur’s nomination as vice president was seen by many as a tactical move to ensure that the Stalwarts maintained their influence within the administration.
In July 1881, just months after taking office, President Garfield was tragically shot by Charles Guiteau, and Arthur ascended to the presidency. The political boss from New York, known for his ties to the corrupt patronage system, suddenly found himself at the helm of a nation grappling with calls for reform.
A Surprising Shift: Arthur’s Move Toward Reform
The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act
When Arthur assumed the presidency, many doubted whether he could overcome his political past and the power of the Stalwarts. As someone who had built his career on the spoils system, there was little reason to believe he would prioritize reform. However, in a surprising turn, Arthur began to embrace civil service reform, a key issue that had gained traction in the political landscape.
The growing public outcry against political corruption and inefficiency within the federal government made reform an inevitability. The assassination of Garfield, in particular, highlighted the dangers of patronage. Garfield’s assassin, Guiteau, had believed he was owed a government job and had targeted Garfield in frustration over his political failure to secure an appointment.
In response to the rising demand for change, Arthur became a surprising advocate for the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883. The act established the Civil Service Commission, which was tasked with overseeing the merit-based hiring of federal employees. It aimed to reduce political patronage by requiring individuals seeking government jobs to pass a competitive exam rather than being appointed based on political loyalty.
Arthur’s support for the Pendleton Act was a monumental shift, signaling that he was willing to break from the very system that had brought him to power. The law had a profound impact on American governance, making the federal workforce more professional and less subject to political manipulation. Today, the Pendleton Act is considered one of the most important pieces of legislation in U.S. history, and its passage can be directly attributed to Arthur’s unexpected leadership.
Legacy of Civil Service Reform
The Pendleton Act was not only a victory for reformists but also a clear indication of Arthur’s commitment to improving the integrity and efficiency of the U.S. government. While his earlier ties to political patronage made his support for the act remarkable, the law was the beginning of a series of reforms that would continue to evolve throughout the 20th century. The merit-based system that the Pendleton Act laid the foundation for helped to professionalize the federal workforce and reduce corruption in Washington, D.C.
Though Arthur faced significant opposition from Stalwarts and political operatives who were invested in the spoils system, he persevered in his support for the reform. His success in passing the Pendleton Act helped to improve public perception of his presidency and proved that even a former political boss could embrace transformative change.
Modernizing the Military and Expanding Infrastructure
The U.S. Navy’s Modernization
In addition to his efforts in civil service reform, Arthur’s presidency marked a period of significant growth and modernization for the U.S. military. Recognizing the growing importance of naval power, Arthur worked to modernize the U.S. Navy, which was largely antiquated by international standards. Under his leadership, the U.S. began the transition from wooden ships to steel-hulled warships, signaling the beginning of the U.S. Navy’s rise as a global power.
Arthur’s Navy policy was one of expansion and modernization. He encouraged the construction of new warships, including the first steel-hulled ships like the USS Chicago and USS Boston. These developments set the stage for future naval superiority, which would be essential in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the United States expanded its influence on the global stage.
Expanding Infrastructure
In addition to military modernization, Arthur’s administration also focused on expanding the nation’s infrastructure. The U.S. was undergoing rapid industrialization, and the construction of railroads and telecommunication systems was essential to the nation’s continued growth. Arthur oversaw the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which helped to connect the Eastern and Western United States, making the transportation of goods and people more efficient.
Arthur also signed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which limited immigration from China. Though the act was controversial and discriminatory, it was a reflection of the intense anti-Chinese sentiment that existed in the West at the time. While the act is often criticized, it is an important part of the broader narrative of the Gilded Age’s immigration policies.
The Forgotten Legacy of Chester A. Arthur
While Chester A. Arthur’s presidency is often relegated to the margins of American history, his impact was profound. His unexpected support for civil service reform, his role in modernizing the U.S. Navy, and his contributions to expanding national infrastructure have had lasting effects on the country. Arthur’s time in office exemplified how political leaders can evolve and change in response to public demands.
The Pendleton Act remains one of the cornerstones of modern American governance. It was the first step in transforming the federal government from a patronage-driven institution to one based on merit and professionalism. While much of the Gilded Age is remembered for its political corruption, Arthur’s presidency represents a turning point toward greater accountability and efficiency.
Arthur’s legacy as a reformer in an era known for its corruption is a testament to his ability to rise above his origins and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the United States. Today, Chester A. Arthur is remembered not only for his support of civil service reform but also for his ability to rise above the political machinations that defined the Gilded Age. His presidency, though brief, was instrumental in moving the country toward a more modern and efficient government.
Conclusion: The Gilded Age’s Forgotten Reformer
Chester A. Arthur’s presidency is often overlooked, but it was a critical period of transformation for the United States. As a man who began his career entrenched in the corrupt patronage system, Arthur’s unexpected embrace of civil service reform and his efforts to modernize the military and expand infrastructure marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s development. While his presidency may have been short, its impact resonates to this day.
Arthur’s surprising reform efforts stand as a testament to the idea that political leaders can evolve and contribute meaningfully to the progress of their country, even if they begin with controversial or corrupt backgrounds. His legacy, particularly in civil service reform, is a reminder that even in an era of political patronage and corruption, reform is possible—and often necessary—for the nation’s continued growth and integrity. The forgotten impact of Chester A. Arthur is one of the Gilded Age’s most important, albeit overlooked, chapters.
