shadetreeinc.com – Chester A. Arthur’s journey from political machine politician to reform-minded president is one of the most remarkable and unlikely transformations in American political history. Often remembered as an accidental president, Arthur was thrust into office following the assassination of President James A. Garfield in 1881. At first glance, Arthur seemed an unlikely candidate for reform, given his deep ties to the corrupt political machine system that defined the Gilded Age. Yet, his presidency would surprise many, as he became a leader of reform, earning a reputation for implementing one of the most significant civil service reforms in U.S. history. His legacy as “The Accidental Reformer” is not only defined by the laws he passed but also by his personal evolution from a patronage-dependent politician to a proponent of a more ethical and meritocratic government.
In this article, we explore Chester A. Arthur’s life, his unexpected rise to the presidency, his reform policies, and the lasting impact of his time in office. While Arthur may have seemed a creature of the corrupt Gilded Age system, he used his position to implement changes that shaped the future of American governance.
From Political Machine to the Presidency
Early Life and Political Ambitions
Chester Alan Arthur was born on October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont, to a Presbyterian minister and his wife. Arthur’s upbringing was steeped in the values of hard work, discipline, and social responsibility. His education at Union College in Schenectady, New York, set the foundation for his future career. Upon graduation, he studied law and began practicing in New York City.
Arthur’s early career was marked by ambition and success. His legal practice, while not exceptional, allowed him to enter New York’s political scene, where his ties to the Republican Party grew stronger. As a young lawyer, Arthur aligned himself with the Republican faction led by Senator Roscoe Conkling, a powerful figure in New York state politics. Conkling’s influence within the party and the Republican machine made him a mentor and key ally to Arthur.
In the 1870s, Arthur’s rise in political circles was facilitated by his association with the Stalwart wing of the Republican Party, which strongly supported the patronage system. Under the patronage system, political allies and supporters were rewarded with government jobs, a system that was rife with corruption and inefficiency. Arthur’s loyalty to Conkling earned him the post of Collector of the Port of New York in 1871. This was one of the most powerful positions in the federal government, as it controlled the flow of customs revenue and allowed for extensive patronage.
Despite the job’s inherent corruption, Arthur became an expert at using the position to consolidate political power. As a result, he was seen as a political insider, aligned with the machine-driven, patronage-based system that defined the political landscape of the Gilded Age.
The Unexpected Rise to the Presidency
Arthur’s political connections and loyalty to Conkling placed him on the periphery of national politics, but he had little expectation of becoming president. In 1880, however, a split within the Republican Party between the reform-minded Half-Breeds and the more conservative Stalwarts created an opportunity. To reconcile the factions, the Republican Party nominated James A. Garfield, a Half-Breed, for president, and Arthur, a Stalwart, as his vice-presidential running mate.
At first, the choice seemed like little more than a political compromise. Arthur was seen by many as a political pawn—someone who could balance the ticket but was unlikely to make much of an impact in office. The ticket won, and Garfield became president, while Arthur took office as vice president in March 1881.
Yet, just six months into Garfield’s presidency, tragedy struck. Garfield was shot by an assassin named Charles J. Guiteau, who was angry over not receiving a political appointment. Garfield died on September 19, 1881, leaving Arthur to step into the presidency under unexpected and somber circumstances.
Arthur, known for his deep ties to the corrupt political machine system, was now faced with the responsibility of leading the nation through a period of national mourning and political crisis. Many feared that Arthur would simply continue Garfield’s policies of patronage and political favoritism. However, in a surprising twist, Arthur’s leadership would take a dramatically different turn.
The Accidental Reformer: A Shift Toward Civil Service Reform
The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act
While Chester A. Arthur’s political career had been built on patronage, the events surrounding Garfield’s assassination exposed the inherent dangers of the system. Public outcry over Garfield’s death and the recognition that political corruption was rampant created a moment of national reckoning. The public demand for reform was palpable, and many expected Arthur to follow the status quo.
However, Arthur stunned the nation by supporting the cause of civil service reform. In 1883, he signed into law the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, a landmark piece of legislation that would transform American government. The Pendleton Act aimed to end the spoils system by creating a merit-based system for hiring federal employees. This system was grounded in competitive examinations and required federal employees to be qualified for the positions they held rather than appointed based on political favoritism.
The Pendleton Act was a significant shift in American politics. It established the Civil Service Commission, an independent agency charged with overseeing the hiring and promotion of civil servants. The reform sought to root out corruption, inefficiency, and patronage by ensuring that federal employees were selected based on ability and qualifications, not political connections.
For many, Arthur’s support of the Pendleton Act was surprising. Just a few years earlier, he had been a strong supporter of the patronage system that was now being dismantled. Yet, Arthur, responding to public pressure and his own personal reflection on the corrupting influence of the spoils system, chose to act decisively. He recognized that reform was necessary for the stability and health of the nation’s government and did not shy away from supporting legislation that would fundamentally change how the government operated.
The Pendleton Act’s Lasting Impact
The Pendleton Act of 1883 laid the foundation for the professionalization of the federal workforce and remains one of the most important reforms in U.S. history. Though the law was not perfect and did not eliminate all forms of patronage, it was a crucial first step in breaking the hold of political machines over government appointments.
Over time, the Pendleton Act led to a more transparent and accountable federal government. It would take several decades for the law’s full impact to be realized, but its effects were profound. The merit-based system it introduced would eventually spread to state and local governments, helping to create a more professional and competent public sector. Arthur’s role in passing the Pendleton Act cemented his place as one of the most significant reform presidents in American history.
Other Presidential Accomplishments: The Modernization of the Navy and Foreign Policy
Strengthening the U.S. Navy
Arthur’s presidency was not only defined by his civil service reforms. He also made significant contributions to the modernization of the U.S. military, particularly the Navy. At the time, the United States was seeking to assert itself as a global power, and Arthur understood that a strong navy was essential to achieving this goal.
During his time in office, Arthur oversaw the development and construction of steel-hulled warships, an important step in modernizing the U.S. Navy. This naval expansion would pave the way for the United States to become a major naval power in the 20th century. Arthur’s attention to military strength, particularly in naval affairs, demonstrated his forward-thinking approach to foreign policy.
Pan-Americanism and Diplomatic Efforts
Arthur also sought to strengthen relations with Latin America through the Pan-American movement. His support for diplomatic cooperation between the nations of the Western Hemisphere laid the groundwork for future U.S. foreign policy initiatives, emphasizing economic and political unity across the Americas. His efforts in this area helped the United States solidify its growing influence in the Western Hemisphere, a key step in establishing the U.S. as a dominant global power in the years that followed.
Chester A. Arthur’s Personal Transformation
Arthur’s presidency is often described as one of personal transformation. Known for his dapper style and impeccable manners, Arthur was sometimes viewed as more of a gentleman than a political reformer. Yet, his time in office revealed a man who was willing to put his personal ambitions and affiliations aside for the good of the country. His support for civil service reform, despite his deep ties to the patronage system, revealed a genuine commitment to making the government more ethical and efficient.
Arthur’s personal evolution from a machine politician to an advocate for civil service reform is one of the most compelling aspects of his legacy. His story shows that personal change and growth are possible, even for those deeply entrenched in systems of power and corruption. By embracing the cause of reform, Arthur demonstrated a rare ability to rise above his past and transform himself into an effective leader at a critical juncture in American history.
Conclusion: The Accidental Reformer
Chester A. Arthur’s presidency was marked by an unexpected turn of events that resulted in lasting reforms that transformed American politics. His surprising support for civil service reform, embodied in the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, laid the groundwork for a more professional and merit-based federal government. Though he had been a product of the political machine system, Arthur’s tenure as president revealed a man capable of change, and his legacy as an “accidental reformer” endures to this day.
Arthur’s leadership during a time of political corruption and public outcry demonstrated that even those who are products of a flawed system can take meaningful steps to improve it. His presidency may not have been long or filled with grandiose accomplishments, but his commitment to reform made a lasting impact on the federal government and helped to establish the foundations of a more modern and ethical political system.
Chester A. Arthur may have been an accidental president, but in his role as “The Accidental Reformer,” he transformed American politics and left behind a legacy of lasting change.