President Chester A. Arthur

In 1883, President Chester A. Arthur was just beginning to solidify his place in American history. He had assumed the presidency in 1881 after the assassination of President James A. Garfield, making Arthur the 21st president of the United States. By 1883, he had completed two years in office, during which he made significant strides in reforming the federal government.

Arthur, originally known for his association with the political machine of New York’s Republican Party, surprised many when he embraced civil service reform, a cause that had been gaining momentum in the wake of Garfield’s assassination. One of his most notable actions in 1883 was the signing of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which marked a major shift in how government jobs were awarded. Prior to this act, many government positions were filled based on political patronage and party loyalty. The Pendleton Act, however, created a merit-based system for federal employment, requiring that government jobs be awarded based on qualifications and examinations rather than political connections. This reform was one of the key achievements of Arthur’s presidency and helped to curb the rampant patronage system that had been widespread in U.S. politics.

While 1883 was primarily marked by his work on civil service reform, Arthur was also focused on managing the country’s foreign relations and economic issues. His administration worked to strengthen the U.S. Navy and sought to improve trade relations, particularly with Latin American countries. His stance on foreign policy was pragmatic, balancing American interests with the growing influence of European powers.

However, despite his accomplishments, Arthur faced political challenges. As a president who had risen to power from the Republican political machine, his reforms often put him at odds with powerful political figures and factions. Nevertheless, his efforts to modernize the government and support reform earned him respect as a president who was willing to rise above his political roots for the good of the country.

In 1883, Chester A. Arthur was still working to establish his legacy. Though his presidency was relatively short, lasting only from 1881 to 1885, his impact on civil service reform and his efforts to modernize the federal government would leave a lasting mark on American politics.