The Appointment of Andrew Mellon

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 71 views

The Unlikely Success of Calvin Coolidge: How He Reduced Taxes and Paid Down the National Debt

Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, is often remembered for his commitment to limited government and fiscal responsibility. During his presidency, from 1923 to 1929, he implemented a series of policies that not only reduced taxes but also helped to pay down the national debt. This article will explore the key factors that contributed to Coolidge's success in achieving these seemingly contradictory goals.

One of the most significant factors that contributed to Coolidge's success was his appointment of business leaders to key positions in government. By bringing in individuals with a strong background in finance and economics, Coolidge was able to tap into their expertise and implement policies that would benefit the economy.

The Appointment of Andrew Mellon

One of the most notable appointments made by Coolidge was that of Andrew Mellon, a wealthy businessman and financier, as Secretary of the Treasury. Mellon was a key advisor to Coolidge and played a crucial role in shaping the administration's economic policies. Under Mellon's leadership, the Treasury Department implemented a series of policies aimed at reducing taxes and promoting economic growth.

Mellon's Tax Cuts

Mellon's most significant contribution to Coolidge's economic policies was his advocacy for tax cuts. Mellon believed that reducing taxes would stimulate economic growth by putting more money in the pockets of consumers and businesses. He argued that the government should reduce taxes on individuals and corporations, allowing them to retain more of their earnings and invest in the economy.

The Revenue Act of 1924

In 1924, Mellon's efforts led to the passage of the Revenue Act, which reduced the top tax rate from 58% to 46%. This tax cut was a significant reduction and helped to stimulate economic growth. The act also reduced the tax rate on corporations, allowing them to retain more of their earnings and invest in the economy.

Another factor that contributed to Coolidge's success was his decision to increase tariffs. By raising tariffs on imported goods, Coolidge was able to protect American industries and promote economic growth.

The Fordney-McCumber Tariff

In 1922, Coolidge signed the Fordney-McCumber Tariff, which raised tariffs on imported goods. This tariff was a significant increase and helped to protect American industries. The tariff also generated revenue for the government, which was used to pay down the national debt.

Coolidge's administration also increased taxes on international businesses. By taxing foreign corporations operating in the United States, Coolidge was able to generate revenue and promote economic growth.

The Foreign Tax Act of 1925

In 1925, Coolidge signed the Foreign Tax Act, which imposed a tax on foreign corporations operating in the United States. This tax was a significant increase and helped to generate revenue for the government.

Coolidge's administration also started a number of initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and reducing the national debt.

The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921

In 1921, Coolidge signed the Budget and Accounting Act, which established the Bureau of the Budget and the General Accounting Office. This act helped to improve the government's financial management and promote fiscal responsibility.

In conclusion, Calvin Coolidge's ability to reduce taxes and pay down the national debt at the same time was due to a combination of factors. His appointment of business leaders to key positions in government, including Andrew Mellon, was a key factor in his success. Mellon's advocacy for tax cuts and his leadership of the Treasury Department helped to shape the administration's economic policies. Coolidge's decision to increase tariffs and taxes on international businesses also contributed to his success. By promoting economic growth and reducing the national debt, Coolidge was able to leave a lasting legacy as a champion of fiscal responsibility.

Coolidge, C. (1925). The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
Mellon, A. (1924). Taxation: The People's Business. New York: Harper & Brothers.
Fordney, J. (1922). The Fordney-McCumber Tariff. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.
McCumber, R. (1922). The Fordney-McCumber Tariff. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.
Foreign Tax Act of 1925. (1925). Public Law 68-143. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.
Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. (1921). Public Law 67-13. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.
Calvin Coolidge: A Q&A on His Economic Policies

Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, is often remembered for his commitment to limited government and fiscal responsibility. During his presidency, from 1923 to 1929, he implemented a series of policies that not only reduced taxes but also helped to pay down the national debt. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Coolidge's economic policies.

A: Coolidge's administration implemented a series of policies aimed at reducing taxes and promoting economic growth. Some of the key policies included:

Tax cuts: Coolidge's administration reduced taxes on individuals and corporations, allowing them to retain more of their earnings and invest in the economy.
Tariff increases: Coolidge's administration raised tariffs on imported goods, protecting American industries and promoting economic growth.
Increased taxes on international businesses: Coolidge's administration imposed a tax on foreign corporations operating in the United States, generating revenue for the government.

A: Coolidge's tax cuts had a significant impact on the economy. By reducing taxes on individuals and corporations, Coolidge's administration was able to stimulate economic growth. The tax cuts allowed businesses to retain more of their earnings, invest in the economy, and create jobs.

A: Coolidge's administration paid down the national debt through a combination of factors, including:

Increased revenue: Coolidge's administration generated revenue through increased tariffs and taxes on international businesses.
Reduced spending: Coolidge's administration reduced government spending, helping to reduce the national debt.
Investment in the economy: Coolidge's administration invested in the economy, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

A: Andrew Mellon, a wealthy businessman and financier, played a crucial role in shaping Coolidge's economic policies. As Secretary of the Treasury, Mellon advocated for tax cuts and helped to implement policies aimed at reducing taxes and promoting economic growth.

A: Coolidge's economic policies had a significant impact on the average American. By reducing taxes and promoting economic growth, Coolidge's administration was able to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the standard of living for many Americans.

A: Coolidge's economic policies were not without criticism. Some critics argued that the tax cuts benefited the wealthy at the expense of the poor, while others argued that the increased tariffs and taxes on international businesses were protectionist and harmed American businesses.

In conclusion, Calvin Coolidge's economic policies had a significant impact on the economy and the average American. By reducing taxes and promoting economic growth, Coolidge's administration was able to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the standard of living for many Americans. However, Coolidge's policies were not without criticism, and some critics argued that they benefited the wealthy at the expense of the poor.

Coolidge, C. (1925). The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
Mellon, A. (1924). Taxation: The People's Business. New York: Harper & Brothers.
Fordney, J. (1922). The Fordney-McCumber Tariff. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.
McCumber, R. (1922). The Fordney-McCumber Tariff. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.
Foreign Tax Act of 1925. (1925). Public Law 68-143. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.
Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. (1921). Public Law 67-13. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.