Grover Cleveland
| Grover Cleveland | |
|---|---|
| File:Grover Cleveland Presidential Portrait.jpg | |
| Order | 22nd and 24th President of the United States |
| In office | March 4, 1885 – March 4, 1889 |
| Vice President | Thomas A. Hendricks (1885) Adlai Stevenson I (1893–1897) |
| Preceded by | Chester A. Arthur |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Harrison |
| Born | March 18, 1837 Caldwell, New Jersey, United States |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Frances Folsom Cleveland (m. 1886–1908) |
| Children | 5 |
| Profession | Lawyer, politician |
| Alma mater | None (self-taught) |
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Stephen Grover Cleveland (March 18, 1837 – June 24, 1908) was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States, one of only two presidents in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms. A leader known for his honesty and integrity, Cleveland was a staunch opponent of political corruption and machine politics.
Early Life and Career
Cleveland was born in New Jersey and raised in upstate New York. After studying law on his own, he became a successful attorney and entered public service. He served as mayor of Buffalo and governor of New York, gaining a reputation as a reformer.
First Term (1885–1889)
Cleveland won the presidency in 1884, becoming the first Democrat elected after the Civil War. He focused on:
- Fighting government corruption and patronage
- Vetoing excessive bills and pensions
- Opposing high tariffs
He lost re-election in 1888 to Benjamin Harrison despite winning the popular vote.
Second Term (1893–1897)
Cleveland returned to office after defeating Harrison in 1892. His second term was marked by the Panic of 1893, a severe economic depression. He supported the gold standard and used federal troops to break the Pullman Strike, alienating many labor supporters.
Legacy
Cleveland is remembered for his unwavering principles, even when politically costly. While criticized for his handling of economic issues and labor unrest, he is admired for his honesty and fiscal conservatism.