George S. Boutwell, American lawyer and politician, 28th United States Secretary of the Treasury (d. 1905)

George Sewall Boutwell (January 28, 1818 – February 27, 1905) was a prominent American politician, lawyer, and statesman from Massachusetts, whose extensive career spanned some of the most transformative periods in U.S. history, including the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. His significant contributions left an indelible mark on the nation's legal and political landscape.

Early Life and Political Ascent

Boutwell's journey in public service began at the state level before ascending to national prominence. He served as the 20th Governor of Massachusetts, holding the office during a period of considerable political and social change in the mid-19th century. His tenure as governor provided him with valuable executive experience that would later prove crucial in his federal roles.

His move to the federal stage saw him represent Massachusetts first as a U.S. Representative and later as a U.S. Senator. During the tumultuous years of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln appointed him as the first Commissioner of Internal Revenue. This newly established federal agency was vital for funding the Union war effort through taxation, and Boutwell played a foundational role in organizing its structure and operations.

A Champion of Reconstruction and Civil Rights

An ardent abolitionist, George S. Boutwell is primarily renowned for his unwavering commitment to civil rights and his pivotal role during the Reconstruction era. He was instrumental in the formation of the Republican Party, a political force that emerged from the anti-slavery movement and championed the Union cause. Boutwell became a leading voice within the party for ensuring the rights and freedoms of newly emancipated African Americans.

His dedication to racial equality was evident in his legislative efforts in Congress. As a U.S. Representative, he was a key architect in the construction and passage of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, established birthright citizenship, ensured due process, and guaranteed equal protection under the law for all citizens. The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified in 1870, prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, a critical step towards universal male suffrage.

Boutwell's steadfast commitment to securing civil liberties extended to his role in the impeachment of U.S. President Andrew Johnson. As a leader in the impeachment proceedings and a prosecutor in the subsequent trial, Boutwell sought to hold President Johnson accountable for his obstructionist policies regarding Reconstruction, which Boutwell and other Radical Republicans viewed as undermining congressional efforts to protect African American rights.

Furthering his legacy in civil rights, as a U.S. Senator, Boutwell sponsored the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1875. This legislation aimed to guarantee African Americans equal treatment in public accommodations, public transportation, and to prohibit their exclusion from jury service. While ultimately declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1883, the act represented a significant effort to enforce civil equality during the Reconstruction period.

Fiscal Leadership: Secretary of the Treasury

Under U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, George S. Boutwell served as Secretary of the Treasury, a challenging position in the wake of the American Civil War and the political turmoil of the Andrew Johnson impeachment trial. The post-war economy was burdened by massive national debt, a fragmented financial system, and the contentious issue of "greenbacks"—the paper currency issued during the war not backed by gold.

Boutwell undertook significant reforms within the Treasury Department to stabilize the nation's finances. His strategy for reducing the substantial national debt was both decisive and controversial. He implemented a policy of selling Treasury gold and utilizing greenbacks to buy up Treasury bonds, aiming to reduce the outstanding debt and strengthen the government's financial standing. While effective in debt reduction, this approach created a temporary cash shortage in the economy, leading to deflationary pressures.

Perhaps his most critical action as Treasury Secretary came in September 1869, when he and President Grant decisively thwarted an audacious attempt by financiers Jay Gould and James Fisk to corner the nation's gold market. This speculative scheme, which became known as "Black Friday," threatened to collapse the U.S. economy. Boutwell, acting on President Grant's directive, averted a full-blown financial crisis by releasing a substantial $4,000,000 of government gold into the market. This swift intervention broke the speculators' stranglehold and restored confidence, demonstrating his firm hand in economic stewardship.

Later Public Service and Evolving Views

After his impactful tenure at the Treasury, Boutwell continued to serve the nation in various capacities. In 1877, President Rutherford B. Hayes appointed him as a commissioner to codify the Revised Statutes of the United States. This monumental task involved organizing and simplifying the vast body of federal laws, making them more accessible and coherent. In 1880, he served as United States counsel before the French and American Claims Commission, a diplomatic body established to resolve financial claims between the two nations, showcasing his expertise in international law. He further practiced international law in other diplomatic fora, solidifying his reputation as a legal and diplomatic expert.

Towards the turn of the 20th century, George Boutwell's political views evolved, leading him to abandon the Republican Party he had helped to found. He became a vocal opponent of American imperialism, specifically condemning the acquisition of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. Reflecting his anti-imperialist stance, he supported William Jennings Bryan for president, aligning with Bryan's platform which also opposed overseas expansionism. This late-career shift underscored his principled and independent approach to political issues, prioritizing what he believed was best for the nation over party loyalty.

Frequently Asked Questions About George S. Boutwell

What were George S. Boutwell's major political roles?
George S. Boutwell held a wide array of significant political roles, including the 20th Governor of Massachusetts, a U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, the first Commissioner of Internal Revenue, and Secretary of the Treasury under President Ulysses S. Grant.
How did Boutwell contribute to Reconstruction and civil rights?
Boutwell was a leading abolitionist and instrumental in the formation of the Republican Party. He played a crucial role in drafting and passing the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, which guaranteed citizenship and suffrage rights for African Americans, respectively. He also sponsored the Civil Rights Act of 1875.
What was Boutwell's role in the Andrew Johnson impeachment?
He was a prominent leader in the movement to impeach U.S. President Andrew Johnson, actively serving as a prosecutor during the impeachment trial. His efforts aimed to hold Johnson accountable for his perceived obstruction of Reconstruction policies.
How did George S. Boutwell handle the Gold Panic of 1869 (Black Friday)?
As Secretary of the Treasury, Boutwell, in conjunction with President Ulysses S. Grant, successfully thwarted an attempt to corner the gold market by releasing $4,000,000 of government gold into the economy. This decisive action stabilized the market and averted a major financial crisis.
Why did Boutwell leave the Republican Party later in his career?
Boutwell abandoned the Republican Party at the turn of the 20th century primarily due to his strong opposition to American imperialism, particularly the acquisition of the Philippines. His anti-imperialist stance led him to support William Jennings Bryan for president, whose platform aligned with his evolving views on foreign policy.