William Howard Taft

William Howard Taft faced the difficult task as President of living up to the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt. Taft so disappointed his predecessor, former mentor, and friend, that Roosevelt opposed his renomination in 1912 and bolted from the Republican Party to form his own "Bull-Moose" party, creating an opening for Democrat Woodrow Wilson in the 1912 presidential election. Taft's lifelong ambition was to serve as Chief Justice of the United States, to which he was appointed after leaving the presidency. He remains the only man in American history to have gained the highest executive and judicial positions.

Our international policy is always to promote peace. We shall enter into any war with a full consciousness of the awful consequences that it always entails,…and we, of course, shall make every effort consistent with national honor and the highest national interest to avoid a resort to arms. Inaugural Address
Inaugural Address

Legacy

President Roosevelt chose Taft as the Republican presidential candidate to succeed him, and Taft won the election easily. As president, Taft followed Roosevelt’s policies and continued to support workers and the poor, as well as oppose large and powerful businesses. In fact, Taft originated more antitrust suits than Roosevelt had. Taft is also credited with creating the Department of Labor and extending the Civil Service.

Two amendments to the Constitution were approved during Taft’s administration. The 16th Amendment allowed the federal government to collect personal income taxes. The 17th Amendment allowed for senators to be elected by the people for the first time. Previously, senators were elected by the state legislatures.

William Howard Taft

William Howard Taft

Legacy

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