Chapter 9 Section 4 Notes William Howard Taft

How did Taft get to be President? very successful judge Governed the Philippines after it became a territory Became Teddy Roosevelt’s Secretary of War TR convinced Taft to run for president in 1908 after deciding against doing so due to tradition. Totally different personality than TR More quiet, didn’t like the media They poked fun at his appearance 6 ft., 350 lbs. Heaviest President ever (Could a “large person” be Pres. Today?)

1908 Election Taft defeats William Jennings Bryan (lost Pres. Election 3 separate times) - mainly due to TR’s endorsement. - Taft wasn’t that excited about winning (wife wanted him to be pres.)

Facts about Taft’s Presidency It lasted from 1909 – 1913 (1 term) He was Republican Taft heading to his inauguration

Taft’s Biggest Accomplishment Trust Buster Taft “busted” 90 trusts during his 4 years in office – more than TR did during his 8 years in office.

Taft’s political blunders 1. The Payne – Aldrich Tariff (tax on imports) Taft campaigned that he was going to lower tariffs This bill actually raised tariffs Result: Higher cost for foreign products less competition for US companies

2. A major conservation controversy Taft hires Richard Ballinger into his Cabinet Sells 1 million acres of protected lands to businesses. Taft not concerned about Conservation like TR was. Gifford Pinchot (appointed under TR) was the official head of the Nat. Govt. conservation effort He publicly protests Ballinger’s actions (All over the press) Taft sides with Ballinger, fires Pinchot (public not happy)

3. Taft supported the unpopular conservative Speaker of the House of Representatives (Joe Cannon) and his “stall” tactics in Congress (explain) Half of his own party opposed (was against) this and turned on him

All of these blunders caused most Democrats to win the 1910 mid term elections The public viewed Taft as a traitor to Roosevelt

The 1912 Election – 4 main candidates Similarities: 1. All against illegal trusts 2. All want more power for regular people Workers, Consumers 1. Debs (Socialist) Wanted end to capitalism No more private businesses Didn’t come close to winning Went to jail several times To help unions Spoke out on WWI eventually

2. Taft (Republican) Incumbent (already president running again) Usually an advantage… not this time Wanted to keep doing what he was doing Hardly campaigned at all – not a real contender Was relieved not to win – happier with job after Presidency

Hard to win if not in major political party 3. Roosevelt (Progressive or Bull Moose) Formed from the part of the Republican party that didn’t like Taft “New Nationalism” Platform Regulate Trusts (Don’t Ban good ones) Woman Suffrage More protections for workers (women, children, if injured, 8 hr. standard work day) Was shot during the campaign he survived and continued his run for office, but it slowed him down a lot. (video on website) Hard to win if not in major political party

4. Woodrow Wilson (Democrat) Former president of Princeton University (smart guy) and Governor of New Jersey The party finally picked someone besides Bryan “New Freedom” Platform Eliminate All Trusts (create competition) Lower tariffs Regulate Banking System (more in Sec. 5)

1912 Election Taft and Roosevelt split the Republican vote (main reason Wilson won) - Wilson won all but 8 states (electoral votes) but popular vote close - 1st Democrat elected in 20 years (Grover Cleveland)

2 stupid facts 1st President to throw out a “1st pitch” to start off the MLB season Had to have a new bathtub installed in the White House because he got stuck in the old one.

Taft was the only person to ever become a Supreme Court judge after finishing his Presidency