Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States...
Calvin Coolidge (July 4, 1872 – January 5, 1933) was the 30th President of the United States, serving from 1923 to 1929. Born in Plymouth, Vermont, Coolidge is the only president to have been born on Independence Day. He was raised in rural surroundings, and his father was a farmer, teacher, and justice of the peace.
Coolidge graduated from Amherst College with distinction in 1895, and began his career as a lawyer in Massachusetts. He entered local politics and was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, then served as the state's lieutenant governor. In 1919, he became governor of Massachusetts, where he gained national prominence for his decisive handling of the Boston police strike.
In the 1920 election, Coolidge was nominated for vice president on the Republican ticket with Warren G. Harding. After winning the election, Coolidge served as vice president until Harding's sudden death on August 2, 1923, which made him assume the presidency. Coolidge was sworn in at his family home in Vermont, where his father, a notary public, administered the oath of office.
His presidency was marked by economic stability and growth. Coolidge was a strong advocate of small government and laissez-faire economics, which made him very popular among conservatives. He worked to reduce taxes and promote free trade, signing three major tax cuts with Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon. He also sought to reduce government spending, which led to budget surpluses and a reduction in the national debt.
In foreign policy, Coolidge continued America's isolationist policy, refusing to join the League of Nations. However, he co-signed the Kellogg–Briand Pact of 1928, which aimed to prevent wars as a means of resolving international disputes. He also maintained friendly relations with other nations and sought to promote international trade.
Despite his economic successes, Coolidge faced criticism for not intervening in the agricultural crisis that affected American farmers. He refused to pass the McNary-Haugen Relief Bill, which was intended to support agricultural prices, which angered farmers.
Coolidge was known for his quiet personality and taciturnity, earning him the nickname "Silent Cal." He had a dry sense of humor and preferred to stay out of the limelight. In 1927, Coolidge surprisingly announced that he would not run for a second term, surprising many.
After his presidency, Coolidge retired to his home in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he wrote an autobiography and served on the boards of several companies. He died of a heart attack on January 5, 1933.
Coolidge is remembered as a president who maintained economic stability and promoted small government, but he faced challenges in addressing agricultural issues. His legacy is complex, as he is praised for his support for racial equality and conservative economic policies, but criticized for not intervening in the economic crises that the country faced toward the end of his presidency.
