Benjamin Harrison

Did you know a U.S. president once followed his grandfather into the White House? Benjamin Harrison did! Born in 1833, he became the 23rd President and led the country from 1889 to 1893. Before that, he fought for the Union in the Civil War and worked as a lawyer in Indiana.

This minute will focus on one big thing Harrison did as president: he helped the government begin to stop very large companies from crushing competition. In 1890 the Sherman Antitrust Act became law during his term. It made 'trusts' and monopolies illegal so businesses couldn't unfairly squeeze out smaller rivals.

Why is that important? Without rules, big companies can raise prices and leave shoppers with fewer choices. Harrison also pushed to build a stronger Navy, backed laws to protect American industry, and worked on a treaty to annex Hawaii. He served one term and lost re-election in 1892 to Grover Cleveland.

Even so, Harrison's actions mattered. The Sherman Act started the idea that the government can step in to keep business fair. Today, when you hear about antitrust cases, some of the tools come from ideas begun in his time. He shows how leaders can make rules to help people.