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23rd President · Republican

Benjamin Harrison

Served: March 4, 1889 — March 4, 1893

At a glance

Lived: August 20, 1833 – March 13, 1901
Home State: Indiana
Party: Republican
Vice President: Levi P. Morton

Brief biography

Benjamin Harrison, grandson of William Henry Harrison, was a Indiana senator and Union brigadier general who signed the Sherman Antitrust Act, the first federal law against monopolies. His administration also produced the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, the McKinley Tariff, and the Land Revision Act creating forest reserves. Six states were admitted to the Union during his term, the largest expansion since the founding era. Federal troops under his administration carried out the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. Indianapolis lawyer, Union Army brigadier general, U.S. Senator from Indiana.

Education

Miami University (Ohio), 1852.

Notable achievements while in Office

Signed the Sherman Antitrust Act, the first federal law against monopolies. Signed the Land Revision Act creating forest reserves. Admitted six states to the Union — the largest expansion since the founding era. Signed the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890), the Sherman Silver Purchase Act (1890), and the McKinley Tariff (1890).

Controversies

Signed the McKinley Tariff, sharply raising rates and contributing to his 1892 defeat. Federal troops under his administration carried out the Wounded Knee Massacre (1890).

Legacy

Harrison signed the antitrust statute that Theodore Roosevelt would later use. He also presided over Wounded Knee.

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