Chester A. Arthur's life exemplified the political climate of his time, particularly during the Gilded Age. Rising from humble beginnings, Arthur’s presidency (1881-1885) was marked by significant political corruption and the need for civil service reform. Initially associated with the corrupt stalwart faction, his push for reform, especially the Pendleton Act, highlighted his shift towards more progressive governance. His administration focused on modernizing the military and improving the U.S. Navy, navigating the complexities of a rapidly industrializing nation.