U.S. Presidents

A Detailed Timeline of Chester A. Arthur’s Presidency

Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, served from September 19, 1881, to March 4, 1885. His presidency, which followed the assassination of James A. Garfield, was marked by efforts to reform the civil service, address political corruption, and manage labor unrest. This article provides a detailed timeline of Arthur’s presidency, highlighting key dates and events that defined his time in office.

Ascension to the Presidency: September 1881

  • September 19, 1881: Following the death of President James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur is sworn in as the 21st President of the United States. Arthur, the Vice President under Garfield, ascends to the presidency under somber circumstances, with the nation mourning Garfield’s assassination.
  • September 22, 1881: Arthur delivers his inaugural address, pledging to continue Garfield’s efforts toward civil service reform and to uphold the principles of the Constitution. His address is met with cautious optimism as he seeks to prove himself as a capable leader.

Civil Service Reform: 1881-1883

  • October 1881: Arthur begins implementing civil service reforms, fulfilling his campaign promises. He works to dismantle the patronage system, which was a significant issue during Garfield’s presidency. His administration enforces merit-based hiring practices and strengthens the Civil Service Commission.
  • January 16, 1883: The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act is signed into law. Although the Act was introduced during Garfield’s administration, Arthur supports its passage and enforcement. The law establishes a merit-based system for federal employment and reduces the influence of political patronage.
  • June 1882: Arthur’s administration begins the process of applying the Pendleton Act’s provisions to federal appointments. This marks a significant shift in federal employment practices and is a key achievement of Arthur’s presidency.

Economic and Labor Issues: 1881-1883

  • March 1882: The Chinese Exclusion Act is signed into law, extending the ban on Chinese immigration for an additional ten years. Arthur signs the Act despite his earlier opposition to such restrictive measures, reflecting the political pressures of the time.
  • August 1882: The first major labor strike of Arthur’s presidency occurs at the Pullman Company, leading to widespread unrest and demands for better working conditions. Arthur’s response includes sending federal troops to maintain order, demonstrating the administration’s approach to labor disputes.

Foreign Policy and Diplomacy: 1882-1884

  • December 1881: The United States and the United Kingdom resolve the Alabama Claims dispute through arbitration, settling issues related to damages caused by Confederate ships during the Civil War. This diplomatic success reflects Arthur’s commitment to peaceful international relations.
  • July 1883: The United States and Chile resolve the Baltimore Incident diplomatically. The incident, which involved the killing of American sailors in Chile, is settled through negotiations, demonstrating Arthur’s administration’s focus on maintaining positive international relations.
  • 1884: The United States negotiates a treaty with the Kingdom of Hawaii, establishing a trade agreement that further strengthens economic ties between the two nations. This treaty reflects Arthur’s interest in expanding American influence in the Pacific.

Final Year and Legacy: 1884-1885

  • November 1884: Arthur’s presidency is marked by increasing political challenges as the election approaches. The Republican Party faces internal divisions and public scrutiny over various issues, including civil service reform and economic policies.
  • November 4, 1884: Grover Cleveland, the Democratic candidate, wins the presidential election, defeating Arthur’s successor, James G. Blaine. Arthur’s term as president is set to end, and Cleveland’s victory marks a shift in political power.
  • March 4, 1885: Chester A. Arthur’s presidency officially ends as Grover Cleveland is inaugurated as the 22nd President of the United States. Arthur leaves office with a reputation as a reformer who worked to address political corruption and implement civil service changes.

Post-Presidency and Legacy

  • 1885-1886: After leaving the presidency, Arthur returns to private life in New York City. He engages in various social and charitable activities, including supporting organizations focused on veterans and civic causes.
  • 1886: Arthur becomes involved in the development of New York’s infrastructure and continues to advocate for civil service reform. His post-presidency activities reflect his ongoing commitment to public service and civic engagement.
  • November 18, 1886: Chester A. Arthur dies of a stroke at the age of 57. His death marks the end of a life that, while brief in the presidency, had significant impacts on American politics and governance.

Legacy and Impact

Chester A. Arthur’s presidency is characterized by several key achievements and challenges:

  • Civil Service Reform: Arthur’s support for the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act is a major accomplishment of his presidency. His efforts to implement merit-based hiring practices help to reduce political patronage and improve the integrity of the federal workforce.
  • Economic and Labor Issues: Arthur’s handling of labor disputes and economic challenges demonstrates the complexities of managing industrialization and labor unrest during his presidency.
  • Foreign Policy: Arthur’s administration is noted for its diplomatic successes, including resolving international disputes and strengthening economic ties with other nations.
  • Political Challenges: Arthur faces political challenges, including internal divisions within the Republican Party and public scrutiny. Despite these challenges, he works to maintain stability and address key issues during his time in office.

Conclusion

Chester A. Arthur’s presidency, though relatively short, left a lasting impact on American politics and governance. His commitment to civil service reform, handling of labor and economic issues, and diplomatic successes reflect his efforts to address the challenges of his time. Arthur’s legacy as a reformer and leader who navigated a complex political landscape continues to be remembered as an important part of U.S. history.