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 **//President//**: Grover Cleveland
 * //Political Party//**: Democrat
 * //Terms//**: 1885-1889, 1893-1897
 * //Vice President by term//**: Thomas Hendricks (1st), Adlai Stevenson (2nd)

Grover Cleveland was the first Democrat to take over the most important role of the United States after a period of Republican reign, specifically after twenty-eight years. Cleveland was known for his honest reputation in office, thus he was called “Grover the Good.” Cleveland tried his best for the betterment of the country through his international affairs, economic efforts, and other decisions, which makes him worthy of a B grading. The Election of 1884 was based not on principles, but personality. Although Cleveland was accused of having an affair, he ended up winning the election by less than forty electoral votes. As Cleveland entered office, the Treasury had a surplus of more than one hundred million dollars. Wanting to reduce the surplus, Cleveland fought with Congress for a lower tariff. Unfortunately Cleveland did not accomplish this goal, as this was the main reason why Cleveland was not granted presidency in the upcoming election. Another goal of Cleveland was to fight political corruption, as this was what the people wanted. Cleveland passed the Interstate Commerce Act, so this goal of his was absolutely achieved.

The relationship between Cleveland and Congress was, at times, positive and negative. The majority party in the House of Representatives and Senate varied throughout both of Cleveland’s term. Taking a look at the numbers… 49th Congress- House of Rep: 182 D- 141 R, Senate: 43 R- 34 D 50th Congress- House of Rep: 167 D- 152 R, Senate: 39 R- 37 D 53rd Congress- House of Rep: 218 D- 124 R, Senate: 44 D- 38 R 54th Congress- House of Rep: 254 R- 93 D, Senate: 43 R- 39 D As shown, Cleveland had the majority party in the House of Representatives for most of his congresses, while the Republicans, the opposing party, had the majority party in the Senate for most of Cleveland’s terms. During his first term, Cleveland signed the Presidential Succession Act. This stated that when the president and vice president were absence, the executive department heads would take over as role of president, depending on which department was created first. As mentioned earlier, Congress and Cleveland battled each other with the tariff issue. Cleveland argued the tariff meant lower protection for monopolies, but Congress refused to decrease the tariff. When Congress tried to push through military pensions for Civil War veterans, Cleveland flatly vetoed it. Also, the Interstate Commerce Act was passed. Rebates and pools were prohibited and railroad owners were required to make their rates fairly. In essence, it meant that they could not charge a shipper more money for a short haul than a long haul. This helped the middle-class workers grow, as now they were not being ripped off. It is certainly evident that the relationship was neither good nor bad.

Although there were many positive aspects during Cleveland’s terms, the most important decision has to be Cleveland’s international role with the Venezuela quarrel. For quite a while, British Guiana and Venezuela was in dispute, between the British and Venezuelans. Without warning, President Cleveland interfered and protested to the British, that they were breaking the Monroe Doctrine. The British government refused to accept the importance of the statement. The British did not want to get in to a fight with America because they were already experiencing troubles in Europe. Ultimately the British left and this created an important effect for America. For one, ironically, the British were determined to start a friendship with America and so they were loyal to each other for quite a while. Another effect was that the Republic was gaining more and more respect from foreign nations. Plus, the Monroe Doctrine’s status increased throughout the world.

The worst part of Cleveland’s administration was that the Panic of 1893 occurred, even though it was not an actual decision. This depression was arguably the worst depression of the nineteenth century. During this time, Cleveland believed that nothing should be done and the resolution of the panic should occur naturally. Over 15,000 businesses, 600 banks, and 74 railroads failed. He did little to resolve this depression, but eventually repealed the Sherman Silver Act. He reasoned this act was one of the main reasons why the gold reserve decreased below one hundred million. Plus, he advocated for gold standard. By repealing the Silver Sherman Act, he stopped the decreasing of gold from supply. Eventually JP Morgan gave sixty five million dollars in gold and helped stabilize the falling economy. Although the issue was resolved, the depression affected many Americans.

Grover Cleveland definitely had a lasting legacy on the American people after his presidency ended. After the arbitration concerning the Venezuela boundary, America was rising as a world power. Imperialism started to become more and more common within the people. Also President Cleveland helped the people survive through an economic depression, which hurt many banks, railroads, and businesses. By repealing the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, and getting a loan from JP Morgan of $65 million in gold, the ecnomony was stabilizing, unlike the beginning of his second term when the economy was fluctuating. All in all, the nation was better off after Cleveland’s’ presidency. Despite some negative aspects of Cleveland’s administration such as the Panic of 1893, he helped America gain respect and prestige on the international stage. This led to the foreign policy of Imperialism. Also, he reduced the corruption dealing with the railroads by passing the Interstate Commerce Act. Grover Cleveland is definitely worthy of a B.

Bibliography:

"American President: First Term Key Events in the Presidency of Grover Cleveland." //Miller Center of Public Affairs//. 18 Nov. 2009. .

DeGregorio, William. __The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents__. Fort Lee: Barricade. 2005.

"Grover Cleveland - President of the United States (POTUS)."//POTUS -- Presidents of the United States//. 19 Nov. 2009. .

"Historical Party Strength in U.S. Senate." //U.S. Congress//. 18 Nov. 2009. .

"Panic of 1893." //American History and World History at Historycentral.com the largest and most complete history site on the web//. 19 Nov. 2009. .