Taylor+F.+-+GC+-+FA09


 * Grover **** Cleveland **** : **
 * Born: ** March 18, 1837
 * Political Party: ** Democrat
 * Died: ** June 24, 1908
 * Term: ** 1885-1889
 * Vice ** ** President :** Thomas Andrews Hendricks
 * Term: ** 1893-1897
 * Vice President: ** Adlai Ewing Stevenson

President Grover Cleveland was the only president to serve two terms inconsecutively and also the first Democrat President since the civil war. During his presidency he maintained the Treasury’s gold reserve and also made progress with the regulation of railroads, and made other decisions that ultimately helped America. Although, he vetoed many bills that were passed by Congress and made decisions during the depression that were very unpopular to the public. So, overall Cleveland should deserve a B for his presidency.

Cleveland’s main goal during his presidency was to watch over Congress and defend the Constitution and the public’s beliefs. He also wanted to lower the high tariffs. He helped the people during his presidency when he passed the Interstate Commerce Act which was the first ever Federal attempt to regulate railroads. As for Congress, he vetoed many bills including ones for Civil War veterans.

Even though Cleveland had the majority of the Electoral College votes both elections, he still had some disagreements with Congress. He vetoed a bill that was supposed to give 10,000 dollars to farmers that were suffering because of the drought. He also vetoed a bill that was granting pensions for disabilities that were not caused by military service. Also, he never persuaded Congress to lower the tariff. Cleveland had wanted to tariff lowered from the start but Congress thought that it was good for the businesses.

Cleveland made many good decisions during his presidency. He passed the Interstate Commerce Act, settled the dispute over Venezuela, and also passed two other acts that helped college funds and agricultural studies. But, the greatest outcome of his presidency would have to be how he stabilized American currency. He repealed the Sherman Silver Purchase Act which dropped the gold supply, and when the nation was in need of a way to stabilize currency, he accepted an offer of 65 million dollars from J.P. Morgan to stabilize currency again. Even though some people disapproved of his decision, it ultimately did help.

The most negative outcome of Cleveland’s presidency would be the Panic of 1893, which happened during Cleveland’s second term. Before J.P. Morgan saved America the gold supply in America was extremely low. Many farmers were failing and businesses were going bankrupt. Also, many of the policies during the depression were unpopular with the public. Most of the Democratic Party ended up deserting Cleveland by the end of his term.

Aside from the depression that took place, America was better off after Cleveland left office. The American dollar was now stabilized and Federal attempts had been made to regulate railroads. Also, businesses and middle class Americans were better off after his presidency. Considering all of the good actions including the Interstate Commerce Act and the regulation of currency, with some bad ones including Panic of 1893, Cleveland should deserve a B for his presidency.

Bibliography: "Grover Cleveland." The White House. Web. 19 Nov. 2009. <[]>. "American President: First Term Key Events in the Presidency of Grover Cleveland." //Miller// //Center// //of Public Affairs//. 19 Nov. 2009. <[]>.