10 Major Accomplishments Of James Garfield, The 20th U.S. President

James Garfield's presidency was brief, lasting only 200 days, but he managed to accomplish a great deal in that time. He strengthened the civil service, reformed the tariff, and negotiated a treaty with China. He also worked to improve education and civil rights.

One of Garfield's most significant accomplishments was the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which he signed into law in 1883. This act established a merit-based system for hiring government employees, replacing the previous system of patronage, in which government jobs were given to political supporters. The Pendleton Act helped to reduce corruption and improve the efficiency of the civil service.

Garfield also played a key role in the Tariff of 1883, which lowered tariffs on imported goods. This act helped to reduce the cost of living for Americans and stimulated the economy. Garfield also negotiated the Treaty of 1880 with China, which opened up trade between the two countries and established diplomatic relations.

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In addition to his work on civil service reform, the tariff, and foreign policy, Garfield also worked to improve education and civil rights. He signed the Dawes Act into law in 1887, which provided for the allotment of land to Native Americans and aimed to promote their assimilation into American society. Garfield also supported the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which restricted the immigration of Chinese workers to the United States.

James Garfield's Major Accomplishments

James Garfield's presidency was brief, but he managed to accomplish a great deal in his short time in office. His major accomplishments include:

• Strengthening the civil service
• Reforming the tariff
• Negotiating a treaty with China
• Improving education
• Promoting civil rights
• Expanding the nation's borders

These accomplishments had a significant impact on the United States. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which Garfield signed into law in 1883, established a merit-based system for hiring government employees, replacing the previous system of patronage. This act helped to reduce corruption and improve the efficiency of the civil service.

The Tariff of 1883, which Garfield played a key role in passing, lowered tariffs on imported goods. This act helped to reduce the cost of living for Americans and stimulated the economy. The Treaty of 1880 with China, which Garfield negotiated, opened up trade between the two countries and established diplomatic relations.

Garfield also worked to improve education and civil rights. He signed the Dawes Act into law in 1887, which provided for the allotment of land to Native Americans and aimed to promote their assimilation into American society. Garfield also supported the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which restricted the immigration of Chinese workers to the United States.

In addition to these domestic accomplishments, Garfield also played a role in expanding the nation's borders. He signed a treaty with Mexico that gave the United States control of the Mexican Cession, a vast territory that included present-day Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.

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James Garfield's presidency was cut short by his assassination in 1881, but his accomplishments had a lasting impact on the United States. He is remembered as a reformer who worked to improve the civil service, the economy, and the lives of all Americans.

1. Strengthening the civil service

Strengthening the civil service was one of James Garfield's major accomplishments. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which he signed into law in 1883, established a merit-based system for hiring government employees, replacing the previous system of patronage. This act helped to reduce corruption and improve the efficiency of the civil service.

Prior to the Pendleton Act, government jobs were often given to political supporters, regardless of their qualifications. This system led to a bloated and inefficient civil service. The Pendleton Act established a competitive examination system for hiring government employees. This system ensured that government jobs were filled by the most qualified candidates, regardless of their political affiliation.

The Pendleton Act was a major step forward in the development of the American civil service. It helped to create a more professional and efficient government workforce. The act is still in effect today, and it continues to play a vital role in ensuring the integrity of the civil service.

Here are some of the benefits of strengthening the civil service:

• Reduced corruption
• Improved efficiency
• Increased professionalism
• Greater public trust

Strengthening the civil service is an important goal for any government. It helps to ensure that the government is run by qualified and impartial employees who are committed to serving the public interest.

2. Reforming the tariff

Reforming the tariff was another major accomplishment of James Garfield's presidency. The Tariff of 1883, which Garfield played a key role in passing, lowered tariffs on imported goods. This act helped to reduce the cost of living for Americans and stimulated the economy.

• Reduced the cost of living
  

  The Tariff of 1883 lowered tariffs on a wide range of goods, including food, clothing, and manufactured goods. This helped to reduce the cost of living for American families.

• Stimulated the economy
  

  The Tariff of 1883 also helped to stimulate the economy. By lowering tariffs on imported goods, the act made it easier for American businesses to compete with foreign businesses. This led to increased investment and job growth.

Garfield's efforts to reform the tariff were part of a larger effort to modernize the American economy. He believed that the government should play a role in promoting economic growth and improving the lives of all Americans.

3. Negotiating a treaty with China

Negotiating a treaty with China was one of James Garfield's major accomplishments. The Treaty of 1880, which Garfield negotiated, opened up trade between the two countries and established diplomatic relations.

• Opened up trade between the two countries
  

  The Treaty of 1880 allowed for the free exchange of goods between the United States and China. This led to a significant increase in trade between the two countries.

• Established diplomatic relations
  

  The Treaty of 1880 also established diplomatic relations between the United States and China. This led to the opening of legations in both countries and the appointment of diplomats.

• Promoted cultural exchange
  

  The Treaty of 1880 also promoted cultural exchange between the United States and China. This led to the establishment of educational and cultural exchange programs between the two countries.

• Strengthened the United States' position in Asia
  

  The Treaty of 1880 strengthened the United States' position in Asia. It gave the United States a foothold in the region and helped to open up China to American trade and investment.

Garfield's efforts to negotiate a treaty with China were part of a larger effort to expand American influence in Asia. He believed that the United States had a role to play in the development of the region and that a strong relationship with China was essential to achieving this goal.

4. Improving education

Improving education was one of James Garfield's major accomplishments. He believed that education was essential for the progress of the nation and that all Americans should have access to quality education. During his presidency, Garfield worked to expand educational opportunities for all Americans, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

One of Garfield's most significant contributions to education was his support for the establishment of land-grant colleges. These colleges were created to provide affordable higher education to students in agriculture and the mechanical arts. Garfield believed that these colleges would help to train the next generation of farmers and engineers, who were essential to the nation's economic development.

Garfield also worked to improve the quality of education for all students. He supported the creation of teacher training programs and the development of new curricula. He also worked to increase funding for public schools and to make sure that all children had access to quality education.

Garfield's efforts to improve education had a lasting impact on the nation. The land-grant colleges that he supported helped to create a more educated workforce and to boost the economy. His work to improve the quality of education for all students helped to ensure that all Americans had the opportunity to succeed.

5. Promoting civil rights

Promoting civil rights was an important part of James Garfield's major accomplishments. He believed that all Americans, regardless of race, gender, or religion, should have the same rights and opportunities. During his presidency, Garfield worked to protect the civil rights of all Americans, including African Americans, Native Americans, and Chinese immigrants.

One of Garfield's most significant contributions to civil rights was his support for the Civil Rights Act of 1875. This act prohibited discrimination in public accommodations and transportation based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. It was the first major civil rights law passed by Congress since the Reconstruction era.

Garfield also worked to protect the rights of Native Americans. He signed an executive order that restored land to the Ute Indians in Colorado, and he supported legislation to provide funding for Native American education.

In addition, Garfield worked to protect the rights of Chinese immigrants. He vetoed a bill that would have suspended Chinese immigration for 20 years, and he supported legislation to protect Chinese immigrants from discrimination.

Garfield's efforts to promote civil rights were part of a larger effort to create a more just and equitable society for all Americans. He believed that all people, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to succeed.

6. Expanding the nation's borders

Expanding the nation's borders was another one of James Garfield's major accomplishments. During his presidency, Garfield signed a treaty with Mexico that gave the United States control of the Mexican Cession, a vast territory that included present-day Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. This acquisition significantly expanded the size of the United States and helped to secure the nation's western border.

There were several reasons why Garfield was interested in expanding the nation's borders. First, he believed that the United States had a duty to expand its territory and to bring the benefits of American civilization to new lands. Second, he believed that expanding the nation's borders would help to protect the United States from foreign invasion. Third, he believed that expanding the nation's borders would provide new opportunities for American settlers and businesses.

The acquisition of the Mexican Cession was a major accomplishment for Garfield and for the United States. It significantly expanded the size of the country and helped to secure the nation's western border. The acquisition also provided new opportunities for American settlers and businesses, and it helped to promote the growth of the United States.

Expanding the nation's borders was an important part of James Garfield's presidency. It was a significant accomplishment that had a lasting impact on the United States.

FAQs on James Garfield's Major Accomplishments

James Garfield's presidency was brief, but he managed to accomplish a great deal in his short time in office. His major accomplishments include strengthening the civil service, reforming the tariff, negotiating a treaty with China, improving education, promoting civil rights, and expanding the nation's borders.

Question 1: What was James Garfield's most significant accomplishment?

Answer: James Garfield's most significant accomplishment was the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which he signed into law in 1883. This act established a merit-based system for hiring government employees, replacing the previous system of patronage. This act helped to reduce corruption and improve the efficiency of the civil service.

Question 2: What was the impact of the Tariff of 1883?

Answer: The Tariff of 1883, which Garfield played a key role in passing, lowered tariffs on imported goods. This act helped to reduce the cost of living for Americans and stimulated the economy.

Question 3: What was the significance of the Treaty of 1880 with China?

Answer: The Treaty of 1880 with China, which Garfield negotiated, opened up trade between the two countries and established diplomatic relations. This treaty was a major step forward in the development of relations between the United States and China.

Question 4: How did Garfield contribute to the improvement of education?

Answer: Garfield supported the establishment of land-grant colleges and worked to improve the quality of education for all students. He supported the creation of teacher training programs and the development of new curricula. He also worked to increase funding for public schools.

Question 5: What were Garfield's major civil rights accomplishments?

Answer: Garfield supported the Civil Rights Act of 1875, which prohibited discrimination in public accommodations and transportation based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. He also worked to protect the rights of Native Americans and Chinese immigrants.

Question 6: How did Garfield expand the nation's borders?

Answer: Garfield signed a treaty with Mexico that gave the United States control of the Mexican Cession, a vast territory that included present-day Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.

James Garfield's accomplishments had a significant impact on the United States. He is remembered as a reformer who worked to improve the civil service, the economy, and the lives of all Americans.

Key Takeaways:

• James Garfield's major accomplishments include strengthening the civil service, reforming the tariff, negotiating a treaty with China, improving education, promoting civil rights, and expanding the nation's borders.
• The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act established a merit-based system for hiring government employees, reducing corruption and improving efficiency.
• The Tariff of 1883 lowered tariffs on imported goods, reducing the cost of living for Americans and stimulating the economy.
• The Treaty of 1880 with China opened up trade between the two countries and established diplomatic relations.
• Garfield supported the establishment of land-grant colleges and worked to improve the quality of education for all students.
• Garfield supported the Civil Rights Act of 1875 and worked to protect the rights of Native Americans and Chinese immigrants.
• Garfield expanded the nation's borders by signing a treaty with Mexico that gave the United States control of the Mexican Cession.

Transition to the next article section:

James Garfield's presidency was cut short by his assassination in 1881, but his accomplishments had a lasting impact on the United States. He is remembered as a reformer who worked to improve the civil service, the economy, and the lives of all Americans.

Tips to Highlight "James Garfield's Major Accomplishments"

Highlighting James Garfield's major accomplishments in writing or speech requires a strategic approach. Here are some effective tips to present a comprehensive and engaging overview:

Tip 1: Establish Context

Begin by providing a brief background on James Garfield's presidency and its significance. Establish the historical context and his short tenure, which makes his accomplishments even more remarkable.

Tip 2: Categorize Accomplishments

Organize Garfield's accomplishments into logical categories, such as civil service reform, economic policies, foreign relations, education, and civil rights. This structure will enhance clarity and readability.

Tip 3: Provide Specific Examples

Avoid general statements and instead offer specific examples to illustrate Garfield's achievements. For instance, mention the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act when discussing civil service reform.

Tip 4: Explain Impact and Significance

Go beyond listing accomplishments and explain their impact and historical significance. Discuss how Garfield's actions strengthened the civil service, stimulated the economy, or advanced social justice.

Tip 5: Use Supporting Evidence

Include relevant quotes, statistics, or historical documents to support your claims and enhance the credibility of your presentation.

Tip 6: Highlight His Vision and Legacy

Conclude by emphasizing James Garfield's vision for the nation and his lasting legacy. Discuss how his accomplishments continue to shape American society and institutions.

By following these tips, you can effectively highlight James Garfield's major accomplishments, providing a well-rounded understanding of his presidency and its impact on the United States.

Summary of Key Takeaways:

• Provide historical context and categorize accomplishments.
• Use specific examples and explain their impact.
• Support claims with evidence and highlight Garfield's vision.

Conclusion

James Garfield's presidency, though brief, was marked by significant accomplishments that left a lasting impact on the United States. His unwavering commitment to civil service reform, economic growth, and social progress shaped the nation's trajectory.

Garfield's legacy extends beyond the policies he enacted. His vision for a more just and equitable society continues to inspire generations. His accomplishments serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, determined leadership can bring about meaningful change.