Coolidge, Calvin

Born: July 4, 1872, Plymouth Notch, Vermont; Died: January 5, 1933, Northampton, Massachusetts.  Republican.  30th President of the United States, 1923-1929.  Vice President of the United States, 1921-1923.  Governor of Massachusetts, 1919-1921.  Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, 1916-1919.  Member, Massachusetts Senate, 1912-1915.  Mayor, Northampton, Massachusetts.  Member, Massachusetts House of Representatives.  As Governor of Massachusetts, Coolidge’s handling of the 1919 Boston Police Strike (he fired the striking officers, and hired a new police force) was seen as proving that he was a decisive leader, someone willing to use a firm hand in the handling of difficult issues, and a strict enforcer of law and order.  The incident regarding the Boston Police Strike also gave Coolidge the reputation as being someone who was willing to stand against the unions, a notion that was popular among certain circles due to the fear by many Americans of the spread of the communist revolution into the United States.  “Silent Cal” gained a reputation as a small government conservative, and strict constitutionalist during his time as President of the United States who was willing to use the veto.  During his presidency he reduced federal spending, federal regulations, and tax rates, which in turn spurned a period of rapid economic growth known as the Roaring Twenties.  Coolidge’s economic policies also led to a one-quarter reduction of the federal debt.  While historians rank Coolidge poorly, he has been lauded as ranking among the best presidents in American History by those who embrace the concept of laissez-faire.  In his time, Coolidge left office with considerable popularity.