William Howard Taft was the 27th President of the United States, serving from 1909 to 1913. He played a role in the Progressive Era, including the establishment of the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. Taft’s presidency was also marked by the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment, which authorized the federal income tax.
William Howard Taft APUSH Definition
William Howard Taft was the 27th President of the United States, serving from 1909 to 1913. He is best known for his progressive domestic policies, including antitrust enforcement and the establishment of the Federal Reserve System.
Key Points
- Taft was a Republican who served as President from 1909 to 1913.
- He was a large man who weighed over 300 pounds.
- Taft was a good-natured man who was known for his sense of humor.
- He was a close friend and political ally of Theodore Roosevelt.
- Taft’s presidency was marked by a number of important events, including the passage of the Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act, the establishment of the Federal Reserve System, and the breakup of the Standard Oil Company.
Domestic Policy
- Antitrust enforcement: Taft was a strong advocate for antitrust enforcement, and he filed more antitrust lawsuits than any previous president.
- Federal Reserve System: Taft signed the Federal Reserve Act into law in 1913, establishing the Federal Reserve System. The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States, and it plays a major role in regulating the economy.
- Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act: Taft signed the Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act into law in 1909. The act raised tariffs on imported goods, which led to increased prices for consumers.
Foreign Policy
- Dollar diplomacy: Taft’s foreign policy was based on the idea of using American economic power to promote American interests abroad. This policy became known as “dollar diplomacy.”
- Missionary diplomacy: Taft also used American missionaries to promote American interests abroad. This policy became known as “missionary diplomacy.”
Legacy
- Taft’s legacy is mixed. He is credited with passing important progressive legislation, such as the Federal Reserve Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act. However, he is also criticized for his handling of the tariff issue and for his conservative Supreme Court appointments.
Timeline of Major Events
- 1857: Taft is born in Cincinnati, Ohio.
- 1880: Taft graduates from Yale College.
- 1882: Taft moves to Cincinnati and begins practicing law.
- 1890: Taft is elected to the Ohio State Senate.
- 1892: Taft is appointed Solicitor General of the United States.
- 1896: Taft is appointed a judge on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
- 1900: Taft is appointed Governor-General of the Philippines.
- 1904: Taft is elected Secretary of War.
- 1908: Taft is elected President of the United States.
- 1909: Taft signs the Federal Reserve Act into law.
- 1912: Taft loses his bid for reelection to Woodrow Wilson.
- 1913: Taft leaves office and returns to Cincinnati.
- 1921: Taft is appointed Chief Justice of the United States.
- 1930: Taft dies in Washington, D.C.
Question 1:
Who was William Howard Taft?
Answer:
William Howard Taft was the 27th President of the United States (1909-1913).
Question 2:
What were William Howard Taft’s political views?
Answer:
William Howard Taft held conservative political views and was a Republican who supported big business and a strong national government.
Question 3:
What were the major accomplishments of William Howard Taft’s presidency?
Answer:
William Howard Taft’s presidency saw the passage of the Payne-Aldrich Tariff, the establishment of the Postal Savings System, and the creation of the United States Bureau of Mines.
And that’s it, folks! You can now hit the textbooks and ace that APUSH exam. Just try not to get too full of Taft facts—you don’t want to weigh yourself down for the test! If you have any more questions or just need a refresher, feel free to swing by later. I’m always here, serving up the history knowledge like a boss. Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you on the next one!