[VIDEO] William Howard Taft – 27th President of the United States of America

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William Howard Taft
27th President – Term: 1909-1913

William Howard Taft – 27th President of the United States of America

Learn more about the 27th President of the United States, William Howard Taft. This video quickly covers his background, rise to the presidency, and little-discussed facts about the Commander in Chief.

Transcription:

 William Howard Taft, a scion of a prominent family, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. His father, a distinguished figure, served as Secretary of War and Attorney General under President Ulysses S. Grant. Taft’s lineage and upbringing, steeped in political and legal discourse, laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Affiliated with the Republican Party, he initially embarked on a career in law, which led to his appointments as a judge and, later, as the Governor-General of the Philippines. His judicial temperament and commitment to reform and administration were deeply influenced by his mentor, Theodore Roosevelt, guiding his political entry.

Taft’s presidency was marked by his dedication to judicial reforms and the continuation of antitrust prosecutions, pursuing his predecessor’s policies. He championed the rule of law and world peace in foreign policy, advocating for arbitration treaties. His administration witnessed the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment, granting Congress the power to levy an income tax. However, Taft’s leadership was often overshadowed by his more dynamic predecessor and his battles with the progressive wing of his party, adding a layer of complexity to his tenure.

Taft, known for his robust physique, holds the distinction of being the heaviest U.S. president. His size became a part of his legacy, with a famous incident of him getting stuck in the White House bathtub, necessitating the installation of a larger one. Beyond his physicality, Taft’s commitment to public service and the law was unparalleled. He is the only individual to have served as both President of the United States and Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, showing his lifelong dedication to the nation and its laws.