Today’s discussion is inspired by CuriosityStream, a fantastic platform offering a wide array of non-fiction films and shows. But let’s dive into our main topic: Benjamin Harrison, a president often overlooked by history.
Benjamin Harrison’s story is a classic example of dramatic irony. He believed he was destined for greatness, not just to be someone important, but the person everyone admired. When he was elected as the 23rd President of the United States in 1888, it seemed his dreams were coming true. However, despite reaching the pinnacle of political success, history has not been kind to him. After serving only one term, he is frequently ranked low on lists of presidential greatness. In 2012, a magazine even humorously dubbed him the most forgotten president. But is this reputation truly deserved? Let’s explore the life and legacy of Benjamin Harrison to uncover the truth.
Unlike many 19th-century presidents who rose from humble beginnings, Benjamin Harrison was born into a family of prominence on August 20, 1833, in Ohio. His father, John Scott Harrison, was a successful farmer and a member of the House of Representatives. His great-grandfather, Colonel Benjamin Harrison, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Most notably, his grandfather, William Henry Harrison, was the ninth president of the United States. When William Henry Harrison won the presidency in 1840, it seemed like a natural step for this distinguished American family. However, his presidency was cut short when he died just 30 days into his term.
Despite this abrupt end, Benjamin Harrison remained convinced that his family was destined for greatness. His father tried to steer him away from politics, but Benjamin was determined to achieve something even greater than his grandfather. This ambition, however, sometimes made him appear arrogant and distant, earning him the nickname “the human iceberg.”
Despite his personal challenges, Harrison had a unique ability to connect with large audiences. While he might have been difficult to engage with on a personal level, he could inspire crowds with his speeches. His dedication to his work was evident, often sacrificing sleep and family time to master his responsibilities. A notable example from 1857 illustrates this: after moving to Indiana and becoming the city attorney, he faced a complex poisoning case. He stayed up all night studying the effects of poison and impressed everyone in court the next day with his knowledge.
Harrison’s political career gained momentum after the Civil War. Returning to Indiana, he initially focused on his law practice but soon felt the pull of politics. Despite facing setbacks and losing elections, he became a significant figure in the Republican Party, known for his support of Civil War veterans and conservation efforts.
As president, Harrison’s administration was marked by several significant events. He played a crucial role in the passage of the Sherman Antitrust Act and was a pioneer in conservation, advocating for the protection of millions of acres of forest. His progressive views on race relations were ahead of his time; he appointed Frederick Douglass as minister to Haiti and supported civil rights legislation.
However, many of his initiatives faced obstacles in Congress, and he encountered significant challenges during his presidency. The economic difficulties of the 1890s and the political climate ultimately led to his defeat in the 1892 election. After leaving office, Harrison lived a quiet life until his death in 1901.
In conclusion, while Benjamin Harrison may not be remembered as one of the great presidents, he was a man who made notable contributions to American society. He was a Civil War hero, a conservation pioneer, and a progressive voice for civil rights. Perhaps he deserves more recognition than he currently receives, as his efforts laid the groundwork for future advancements in these areas.
Research Benjamin Harrison’s key policies, such as the Sherman Antitrust Act and his conservation efforts. Prepare a short presentation to share with your classmates, highlighting how these policies have impacted modern America. Consider using visual aids to make your presentation more engaging.
Participate in a debate with your peers. One side will argue that Benjamin Harrison deserves more recognition for his contributions, while the other side will argue that his low ranking is justified. Use evidence from his presidency to support your arguments.
Engage in a role-playing activity where you assume the role of a historical figure from Harrison’s era, such as Frederick Douglass or a Civil War veteran. Discuss Harrison’s policies and presidency from your character’s perspective, considering how they might have viewed his actions and legacy.
Watch a documentary about Benjamin Harrison’s life and presidency, such as those available on CuriosityStream. After viewing, participate in a group discussion to analyze the documentary’s portrayal of Harrison and compare it with the information from the article.
Write a short story imagining an alternate history where Benjamin Harrison served a second term. Consider how his policies might have evolved and what impact this could have had on American history. Share your story with the class and discuss the potential implications of this alternate scenario.
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It sounds like a textbook case of dramatic irony—further proof that while fate may not play dice with the universe, it certainly has a sense of humor. Benjamin Harrison believed he was destined for greatness, to be not just somebody, but the somebody that everyone else envied. When he was elected president in 1888, he must have felt that this dream was coming true, that he would become the focal point of the universe. However, the irony is that while Harrison made it to the top, history does not remember him fondly. Voted out after just one term, he is often ranked around 30th or worse on lists of presidential greatness. In 2012, a magazine even named him, only half-jokingly, the most forgotten president of all time. But does Benjamin Harrison really deserve this dire reputation? Today, we delve into the life of the 23rd president and argue that there was more to Harrison than meets the eye.
When covering 19th-century presidents, we often start with a hard-scrabble backstory, the crazy obstacles they had to overcome. For example, Grover Cleveland’s father died, leaving him struggling to support the family, or William McKinley fought in the Civil War as a teenager. But not Benjamin Harrison. Born on August 20, 1833, in Ohio, he arrived in a world that was positively gilded with greatness. His father, John Scott Harrison, was a prosperous farmer who later served in the House of Representatives. His great-grandfather, Colonel Benjamin Harrison, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Yet it was his grandfather, William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States, who represented the family’s high point. When William Henry won the White House in 1840, it felt like a natural progression for the emerging American dynasty. However, as you may remember, William Henry Harrison died after just 30 days in office.
Despite this abrupt death, Benjamin seemed to maintain his sense of destiny, convinced that his family would return to the top. Although his father tried to dissuade him from politics, he became convinced that he would one day achieve something so great that it would overshadow even his grandfather’s presidency. Unfortunately, this conviction would leave an unpleasant stain on his soul as he grew older. Standing at just 5’6″, he earned the nickname “Little Ben.” He developed a personality that could be described as difficult; if you were being impolite, you might say he was arrogant and cold, earning him the nickname “the human iceberg.”
Despite his personal challenges, Harrison had a remarkable ability to connect with crowds. While he might have been difficult to engage with one-on-one, he could inspire people when addressing larger groups. His dedication to his work was evident; he mastered his brief at the expense of sleep and family life. A revealing story from 1857 illustrates this: after moving to Indiana and becoming the city attorney, he faced a poisoning case that required immediate attention. He borrowed books on the effects of poison and stayed up all night reading before impressing everyone in court the next day.
Harrison’s political career began in earnest after the Civil War. He returned to Indiana and initially seemed content to resume his law practice, but a new ambition began to burn within him. His journey into politics was bumpy; he faced setbacks, including losing elections. However, he eventually became a prominent figure in the Republican Party, gaining recognition for his support of Civil War veterans and conservation efforts.
As president, Harrison’s administration was marked by significant events, including the Sherman Antitrust Act and efforts to protect national parks. He was a pioneer in conservation, advocating for the protection of millions of acres of forest. His progressive views on race relations were notable for the time, as he appointed Frederick Douglass as minister to Haiti and supported civil rights legislation.
Despite these efforts, many of his initiatives failed to pass through Congress, and he faced significant challenges during his presidency. The economic turmoil of the 1890s and the political landscape ultimately led to his defeat in the 1892 election. After leaving the White House, Harrison lived a quiet life until his death in 1901.
In conclusion, while Benjamin Harrison may not be remembered as a great president, he was a man of his time who made significant contributions to American society. He was a Civil War hero, a pioneer in conservation, and a progressive voice for civil rights. Perhaps he deserves more recognition than he currently receives.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – The professor emphasized the importance of understanding history to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Government – The governing body of a nation, state, or community. – The structure of the government in ancient Rome was a complex system that influenced many modern political systems.
President – The elected head of a republican state. – The president delivered a speech outlining the new policies aimed at economic reform.
Politics – The activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power. – The politics of the early 20th century were marked by significant social and economic changes.
Civil – Relating to ordinary citizens and their concerns, as distinct from military or ecclesiastical matters. – The civil rights movement was a pivotal period in American history that sought to end racial discrimination.
Rights – Legal, social, or ethical principles of freedom or entitlement. – The Bill of Rights was a crucial addition to the Constitution, ensuring fundamental liberties for all citizens.
Legacy – Something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor from the past. – The legacy of the Enlightenment thinkers can be seen in modern democratic ideals.
Elections – A formal and organized process of electing or being elected, especially of members of a political body. – The elections of 1860 were a turning point in American history, leading to the Civil War.
Conservation – The preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment and wildlife. – The conservation efforts during the Progressive Era laid the groundwork for the establishment of national parks.
Ambitions – A strong desire to do or achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. – The ambitions of the early explorers led to the discovery of new lands and the expansion of empires.
