Calvin Coolidge

Guide Note

Calvin Coolidge was elected into office on August 2, 1923 making him the 30th President of the United States. He continued on to serve for five years. Prior to his election as President, Coolidge served as a State Representative, State Senator, mayor, and Vice President. Coolidge's presidency ended on March 4, 1929. He was followed by President Herbert Hoover. Coolidge died on January 5, 1933 as the result of a sudden heart attack.

Fast Facts

1. Born: July 4, 1872
2. Birth Name: John Calvin Coolidge, Jr.
3. Birthplace: Plymouth, Vermont
4. Wife: Grace Anna Goodhue
5. Served as President from August 2, 1923 – March 4, 1929
6. He was preceded by Warren G. Harding
7. He was succeeded by Herbert Hoover
8. Coolidge made the first presidential film with sound recording
9. Died: January 5, 1933 from a heart attack

Coolidge was born on July 4, 1872 in Plymouth, Vermont. He had two siblings. His parents were John Calvin Sr., a farmer, and Victoria Coolidge, the daughter of a farmer. His mother died in 1884 possibly from tuberculosis. Coolidge was educated at Black River Academy in Vermont. He later attended Amherst College where he graduated in 1895. He then relocated to Northampton, Massachusetts where he practiced law.

Coolidge married schoolteacher Grace Anna Goodhue in 1905. They had two sons, John and Calvin Coolidge Jr. John was born in 1906 and Calvin Jr. was born in 1908. Coolidge and his wife were said to have had a happy marriage.

Coolidge was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1906. In 1907, he was re-elected for a second term. In 1910, Coolidge was elected as Mayor of Northampton. He was successful in increasing the salaries of teachers and decreased the city's debt. In 1911, he was re-elected and served another term as mayor. In 1912, he served as State Senator for Hampshire County. He was re-elected in 1913. His plans were to retire after this term was up, but Coolidge decided to run for yet another term and was re-elected once again. During this term in office, Coolidge delivered a speech titled "Have Faith in Massachusetts" which later became a book. In 1915, Coolidge became the Lieutenant Governor for the Republican Party. In 1917, he was re-elected for the same office. In 1918, Coolidge won the office of Governor of Massachusetts where he beat out his opponent Richard H. Long. In 1919, he was elected for the same office where he once again beat out the same opponent.

In 1920, Coolidge was elected as the Vice President of the United States. The president at this time was Warren G. Harding. Coolidge was the first Vice President to attend cabinet meetings. Coolidge was a quiet man with few words which earned him the nickname of "Silent Cal." President Harding died on August 2, 1923 and Coolidge stepped into office as President. A month after Coolidge took office, the Washington Naval Treaty was proclaimed. Later that year, he signed the Immigration Act which limited the number of immigrants that could be admitted into the U.S. The following year, Coolidge signed into law the Revenue Act of 1924 which decreased income tax rates and established the U.S. Board of Tax Appeals. Coolidge was re-elected as President in 1924. During his second reign in office, the country experienced rapid economic growth known as the "Roaring Twenties." His best known initiative plan of his career was known as the Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928. Coolidge chose not to run for re-election of the presidency in 1928 stating that if he was re-elected, he would have been in office at the end of his term for a total of 10 years which is longer than any President has ever served.