ASTRO logo
Present

Facts for Kids

Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States, known for his influential policies and strong advocacy for civil service reform during the late 19th century.

main image
Description of image
Explore the internet with AstroSafe
Search safely, manage screen time, and remove ads and inappropriate content with the AstroSafe Browser.
Download
Inside this Article
President Of The United States
Grover Cleveland
Republican Party
White House
Government
Did you know?
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States, serving from 1889 to 1893.
πŸ“œ He was the only president to serve immediately after his grandfather, William Henry Harrison, who was the 9th president.
βš–οΈ Harrison was known for his advocacy of civil service reform and fought against political corruption.
πŸ’Ό He was a lawyer by profession and practiced law in Indianapolis, Indiana.
πŸ“Š Harrison was responsible for the first significant expansion of the U.S. Navy since the Civil War.
πŸ›οΈ He was the first president to utilize electricity in the White House, although he was reportedly afraid of it.
πŸ—³οΈ During his presidency, the Sherman Antitrust Act was enacted, aimed at curbing monopolies.
πŸŽ“ Harrison attended Miami University in Ohio and graduated in 1852.
🌍 He played a vital role in the promotion of the Pan-American Conference, fostering regional cooperation in the Americas.
🦁 Harrison's administration was marked by the entry of six new states into the Union.
Show Less
Description of image
Become a Creator with DIY.org
A safe online space featuring over 5,000 challenges to create, explore and learn in.
Learn more
Overview
Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States, serving from 1889 to 1893. πŸ›

️ He was born on August 20, 1833, in North Bend, Ohio. Harrison came from a family that loved politics; his grandfather, William Henry Harrison, was also President! Benjamin became a lawyer and got involved in politics, joining the Republican Party. He is remembered for his efforts to improve American infrastructure and protect tariffs. 🚧

Read Less
Presidency
Harrison became President on March 4, 1889. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ During his presidency, he was known for his strong leadership. He worked hard to modernize the U.S. Navy and signed the Sherman Antitrust Act, which helped protect competition between businesses. βš“

Benjamin was the first president to use electricity in the White House! He focused on making America a stronger nation both at home and abroad.
Read Less
Foreign Affairs
During Harrison's presidency, he focused on expanding America's influence in the world. 🌎

He wanted to make friends with other countries and promote trade. He helped to negotiate a treaty with Chile and supported the creation of the Pan-American Conference, bringing leaders from across the Americas together. 🀝

Harrison's work aimed to build stronger relationships with other nations.
Read Less
Military Service
During the Civil War, Benjamin Harrison served as a brigadier general in the Union Army. βš”

️ He joined the army in 1862 and fought for the North, helping to end slavery. His bravery in battle and leadership skills made him respected among his soldiers. 🌟

After the war, he returned to Indiana to continue his law practice, but his military service helped shape his political career.
Read Less
Political Career
Benjamin Harrison started his political career in the 1860s. 🌍

He served as the Governor of Indiana from 1880 to 1881. He made some important changes in the state, such as improving education and transportation. In 1888, he ran for President and won against then-President Grover Cleveland. πŸ—³

️ Harrison's experiences helped him understand how to lead a country better.
Read Less
Domestic Policies
Harrison believed in improving the lives of American citizens. 🌟

He increased tariffs to protect American businesses from foreign competition. He pushed for civil service reform to ensure that government jobs were given based on merit, not politics. 🏒

Harrison also helped establish national parks, helping to preserve nature for all to enjoy. His policies aimed at bettering the country.
Read Less
Legacy and Impact
Benjamin Harrison is remembered as a dedicated leader who cared about his country. πŸ’Ό

His contributions to the Navy and antitrust laws are still significant today. Schools, parks, and cities have been named after him to honor his legacy. 🏫

His commitment to improving America and his efforts in foreign affairs helped pave the way for future presidents, making him an important figure in U.S. history!
Read Less
Post-Presidency Life
After losing the election in 1892, Benjamin Harrison retired from politics. 🏑

He returned to Indiana and worked as a lawyer while also giving speeches around the country. He was still involved in the Republican Party and shared his experiences with younger politicians. 🌼

Harrison spent time with his family, enjoying his hobbies like reading and gardening.
Read Less
Early Life and Education
As a young boy, Benjamin loved reading and learned about famous leaders. He attended Miami University in Ohio, where he studied hard and found a passion for public speaking. πŸŽ“

After finishing school in 1852, he started to practice law. Benjamin was very interested in current events and often debated big ideas with his friends. His early education helped him become a great leader in America!
Read Less

Try your luck with the Benjamin Harrison Quiz.

Try this Benjamin Harrison quiz and see how many you score!
Q1
Question 1 of 10
Next
Explore More