Presidential Resources Online
William H. Taft 1909 - 1913
William Howard Taft was born in Cincinnati in 1857.
His father was a judge, and as a young man he studied law at Yale.
He spent several years practicing law and as a judge in Cincinnati, and
in the 1890's he served in a variety of White House administrative offices.
Taft became friends with Teddy Roosevelt, who appointed him Secretary of
War in 1907. Roosevelt choose Taft to be his successor, and Taft
easily won the election of 1908. As a Republican President, Taft
managed to alienate many members of his own party, including Roosevelt
who ran against him in 1912. Despite this opposition, Taft made many
accomplishments as president, which included establishing a national income
tax, the founding of the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the prosectution
of 80 anti-trust suits. Taft did not win re-election, but shortly
after leaving office he was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme court,
a position he held until shortly before his death in 1930.
Online William Howard Taft Resources:
Audio:
The Farmer and the Republican Party - Online audio of a campaign speech
delivered by Taft in 1908.
Taft Summer White House -
This is a page that discusses the summer home of President Taft. It also
contains pictures, cartoons, and other interesting Taft information.
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