Friday, December 7, 2012

Grover Cleveland opposed high tariffs and restrictions on immigration. Was he supported by businessmen who would benefit from cheap labor and goods?

Grover Cleveland (1837–1908) is the only man to serve two nonconsecutive terms (1885–89 and 1893–97) as president of the United States. His support of high tariffs and his other policies tended to alienate business interests. Also, he opposed the granting of government favors to big business. Cleveland served in the White House during an era of rapid industrialization and extensive economic change.
Cleveland's policies on the regulation of interstate commerce and railroads were not favorable to commercial interests. He urged Congress to regulate the railroad industry. Also, he backed the creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). These policies favored public over business interests.
Cleveland was against high tariffs. High tariffs helped keep out foreign-made goods. This benefited manufacturers and hurt consumers. This issue was key in the election of 1888. Business executives gave lavishly to Cleveland's Democratic opponent, Benjamin Harrison, in the election. Harrison narrowly won the election.
In 1892, Cleveland easily defeated Harrison and took back the presidency. His second term, dominated by the Depression of 1893, was even more challenging than the first had been.

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