George S. Boutwell’s legacy and his role in U.S. history
George S. Boutwell, America’s first IRS commissioner, played a key role in shaping the nation’s financial and civil rights policies.
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| The cabinet of President Ulysses S. Grant in session. Depicted (L-R) are Jacob D. Cox, Hamilton Fish, John A. Rawlins, John A.J. Cresswell, President Grant, George S. Boutwell, and Adolph E. Borle. Illustration by W.S.L. Jewett |
Boutwell: Radical Republican and Champion of Democracy, by Jeffrey Boutwell
For decades, George S. Boutwell has remained a forgotten figure in American history, despite his critical role in shaping the nation’s financial policies and civil rights reforms. Born in 1818 in Brookline, Massachusetts, Boutwell rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential public officials of his time. Serving as America’s first IRS commissioner, he helped raise vast sums of money to finance the Civil War, laying the foundation for the modern tax system. However, his contributions extended far beyond finance, as he also played a key role in Reconstruction and the fight for racial equality.
From humble beginnings to national influence
Boutwell’s journey into politics began with work on his family’s farm before he pursued law and entered public service. By the age of 33, he had already served as the governor of Massachusetts. He later became a congressman, senator, and Treasury secretary during Ulysses S. Grant’s presidency. His most significant achievement was organizing the federal revenue system, which enabled the government to collect the massive sums needed to sustain the war effort—at its peak, a staggering $1 million per day in 1862.
While Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase is often credited with financing the war, it was Boutwell who managed the unprecedented expansion of the Treasury Department, recruiting and overseeing a civilian workforce of 4,000 clerks and agents. He later served as Treasury secretary himself but faced criticism for failing to prevent the corruption that plagued Grant’s administration, though most of the scandals emerged after his departure.
A champion of civil rights and progressive policies
Beyond his financial contributions, Boutwell was a staunch advocate for civil rights. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he firmly believed in racial equality and pushed for policies to protect Black Americans during Reconstruction. He played a key role in drafting constitutional amendments that established birthright citizenship and voting rights for Black citizens.
Boutwell was also instrumental in the impeachment effort against President Andrew Johnson, who had opposed Reconstruction policies. His commitment to progressive reforms extended beyond race relations—he supported a shorter workweek, the secret ballot, penal reform, female education, and progressive taxation. He even advocated for Electoral College reform, positioning himself as one of the most forward-thinking politicians of his time.
The radical Republican and his political evolution
Boutwell’s political career reflected the shifting ideologies of his era. He began as a Democrat but realigned with the Republican Party in the 1850s due to its strong anti-slavery stance. Despite his commitment to abolition, he once promised to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act, drawing criticism from prominent figures like poet John Greenleaf Whittier.
During the Civil War, he remained a loyal ally to President Abraham Lincoln, supporting the controversial Emancipation Proclamation. While not known for his oratory skills, Boutwell was a highly effective legislator who built strong relationships with Lincoln and Grant. His bureaucratic expertise made him an indispensable figure in shaping wartime and post-war policies.
The fight against imperialism and his fading legacy
In his later years, Boutwell took a strong stance against American imperialism. As president of the American Anti-Imperialist League, he opposed U.S. annexation of the Philippines, putting him at odds with the prevailing expansionist sentiment of the era. This position, while more widely understood today, contributed to his historical obscurity.
Several factors led to Boutwell’s decline from public memory. The mid-20th-century interpretation of history, which painted Johnson’s impeachment as reckless, diminished his reputation. His close association with Grant did little to help, as Grant’s administration was long viewed as corrupt. Even the rehabilitation of the Radical Republicans did not revive Boutwell’s prominence, as more outspoken figures like Charles Sumner and Thaddeus Stevens overshadowed him.
Boutwell’s personality may have also played a role in his historical erasure. While respected for his integrity and work ethic, he was often seen as rigid and overly critical. Unlike charismatic leaders who inspire lasting admiration, Boutwell’s stern demeanor made him a figure of grudging respect rather than affection.
A forgotten but vital figure in American history
Despite his absence from mainstream historical narratives, George S. Boutwell’s impact on American history is undeniable. As the nation’s first IRS commissioner, he laid the groundwork for modern tax collection. As a legislator, he championed civil rights, fought for Reconstruction, and took a principled stand against imperialism. His contributions deserve renewed recognition, as his policies and beliefs continue to shape the country today.
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