William Howard Taft
| William Howard Taft | |
|---|---|
| File:William Howard Taft Presidential Portrait.jpg | |
| Order | 27th President of the United States |
| In office | March 4, 1909 – March 4, 1913 |
| Vice President | James S. Sherman |
| Preceded by | Theodore Roosevelt |
| Succeeded by | Woodrow Wilson |
| Born | September 15, 1857 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Helen Herron Taft (m. 1886–1930) |
| Children | 3 (including Robert Taft) |
| Profession | Lawyer, judge, politician |
| Alma mater | Yale University |
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William Howard Taft (September 15, 1857 – March 8, 1930) was the 27th president of the United States and later served as the 10th Chief Justice of the United States, making him the only person in American history to hold both offices.
Early Life and Career
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Taft was a successful lawyer and judge. He served as Solicitor General, a federal circuit judge, and Governor-General of the Philippines. He was a close friend and hand-picked successor of President Theodore Roosevelt.
Presidency (1909–1913)
Taft was elected in 1908 but soon clashed with the progressive wing of the Republican Party, including Roosevelt. His administration emphasized trust-busting, civil service reform, and strengthening the Interstate Commerce Commission. However, his cautious conservatism alienated many reformers.
1912 Election and Roosevelt Split
The Republican Party split in 1912, with Roosevelt forming the Progressive ("Bull Moose") Party. The division allowed Democrat Woodrow Wilson to win the presidency, and Taft came in third.
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Taft considered his service as Chief Justice (1921–1930) the greatest honor of his life. He modernized the federal judiciary and advocated for judicial reform. His work helped professionalize the Supreme Court.
Legacy
Taft is remembered for his unique dual legacy in both the executive and judicial branches. Though his presidency is often overshadowed by Roosevelt and Wilson, his commitment to legal structure and institutional reform remains respected.