Grover Cleveland

Definition

Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States, serving two non-consecutive terms from 1885 to 1889 and 1893 to 1897. He was a prominent Democratic politician known for his strong opposition to imperialism and his conservative fiscal policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Grover Cleveland was a staunch opponent of American imperialism and the acquisition of overseas territories, which contrasted with the expansionist policies of his successor, William McKinley.
2. During his second term, Cleveland refused to annex the Hawaiian Islands, despite pressure from American business interests and the pro-annexation movement in the U.S.
3. Cleveland invoked the Monroe Doctrine to oppose European intervention in Latin American affairs, such as the British blockade of Venezuela in 1895.
4. As a proponent of laissez-faire economics, Cleveland opposed government intervention in the economy and was critical of the protectionist policies of the Republican Party.
5. Cleveland's conservative fiscal policies and opposition to government spending led to conflicts with the more progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which would later gain prominence under the leadership of William Jennings Bryan.

Review Questions

• Explain how Grover Cleveland's views on imperialism and overseas expansion differed from the policies of his successor, William McKinley.
  • Grover Cleveland was a staunch opponent of American imperialism and the acquisition of overseas territories, which contrasted sharply with the expansionist policies of his successor, William McKinley. While McKinley supported the annexation of Hawaii and the Spanish-American War, which led to the acquisition of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and other overseas possessions, Cleveland firmly believed in the principles of the Monroe Doctrine and opposed any efforts to expand the country's territorial reach beyond the continental United States. Cleveland's conservative, non-interventionist approach to foreign policy was a significant departure from the more aggressive and imperialistic stance adopted by the McKinley administration.
• Describe how Grover Cleveland's economic policies, particularly his adherence to laissez-faire principles, influenced his approach to the Spanish-American War and the resulting acquisition of overseas territories.
  • Grover Cleveland's commitment to laissez-faire economics and his opposition to government intervention in the economy shaped his views on the Spanish-American War and the subsequent acquisition of overseas territories. As a proponent of limited government and a hands-off approach to economic affairs, Cleveland was highly skeptical of the expansionist policies that drove the Spanish-American War and the subsequent annexation of territories like the Philippines and Puerto Rico. He believed that the government should not be involved in foreign adventures or the acquisition of overseas possessions, as this would require increased government spending and involvement in the economy. Cleveland's fiscal conservatism and adherence to laissez-faire principles led him to oppose the imperialist tendencies of his successor, William McKinley, and the policies that ultimately resulted in the United States becoming an overseas colonial power.
• Analyze how Grover Cleveland's invocation of the Monroe Doctrine influenced his approach to foreign policy and his response to European intervention in Latin American affairs, such as the British blockade of Venezuela in 1895.
  • Grover Cleveland's strong belief in the principles of the Monroe Doctrine was a central tenet of his foreign policy approach. The Monroe Doctrine, which had been introduced by President James Monroe in 1823, stated that further efforts by European nations to colonize or interfere with states in the Americas would be viewed as acts of aggression requiring U.S. intervention. As president, Cleveland invoked the Monroe Doctrine to oppose European involvement in Latin American affairs, such as the British blockade of Venezuela in 1895. By doing so, Cleveland sought to assert American dominance in the Western Hemisphere and prevent European powers from encroaching on what he considered to be the United States' sphere of influence. This unwavering adherence to the Monroe Doctrine reflected Cleveland's broader opposition to American imperialism and his desire to maintain a non-interventionist, isolationist foreign policy, in contrast to the more expansionist tendencies of later administrations.

Related terms

Annexation of Hawaii: The process by which the Hawaiian Islands became a territory of the United States in 1898, during Cleveland's second term as president.

Monroe Doctrine: A foreign policy principle introduced by President James Monroe in 1823, which stated that further efforts by European nations to colonize or interfere with states in the Americas would be viewed as acts of aggression requiring U.S. intervention.

Laissez-faire Economics: An economic philosophy that opposes government intervention and regulation in the economy, favoring a hands-off approach and the free market.