Ten fun facts about William Howard Taft

1. 27th President, Chief Justice: William Howard Taft

William Howard Taft was born on September 15, 1857 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the 27th President of the United States, serving from 1909 to 1913. After his presidency, Taft served as Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1921 to 1930. He passed away on March 8, 1930 at the age of 72 in Washington, D.C. Taft was the only person to have held both the office of President and Chief Justice.

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2. A Man of Impressive Stature

William Howard Taft was a man of impressive stature, earning him the nickname "Big Lub" among his college friends. He was so well-known by this name that his college friends simply referred to him as "Old Bill". His powerful build was a testament to his strength and character, making him a memorable figure in the eyes of his peers.

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3. Unique Figure in American History

William Howard Taft is a unique figure in American history, as he is the only person to have held both the office of President of the United States and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. After serving as President from 1909 to 1913, Taft was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 1921, a position he held until 1930. During his tenure as Chief Justice, Taft was known for his commitment to judicial restraint and his efforts to improve the administration of justice. His legacy as both President and Chief Justice continues to be remembered today.

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4. Taft: Solver Who Refused Supreme Court

William Howard Taft was a man of many talents. He was a problem solver, often taking on the role of Secretary of State, and was even offered the chance to work with the Supreme Court by President Roosevelt. However, Taft refused these offers, instead choosing to focus on his other roles.

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5. Taft Wins 1908 Election with TR's Support

In 1908, William Howard Taft won the election for presidency with ease, thanks to the strong support of the Republican Party and its leader, Theodore Roosevelt. Taft's victory was a landslide, with the popular backing of Roosevelt's party helping him to secure a comfortable majority in the election.

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6. A President Who Made a Difference

William Howard Taft was a President who was dedicated to improving the lives of Americans. During his time in office, he focused on trust-busting, civil service reform, and the establishment of the Interstate Commerce Commission. He also worked to refine the functioning of the postal service and was instrumental in the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment, which allowed for the federal government to collect income taxes. Taft's efforts to improve the lives of Americans through these domestic initiatives were highly successful and have had a lasting impact on the nation.

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7. "Dollar Diplomacy" Succeeds: Taft Boosts Latin & Asian Economies

William Howard Taft was a firm believer in the power of economic growth to improve the lives of people in Latin America and Asia. To this end, he implemented a policy of 'Dollar Diplomacy', which sought to increase economic ties between the US and these countries. However, when faced with rebellion in Mexico, Taft showed a certain degree of restraint, opting for a measured response rather than a more aggressive one. This approach demonstrated his commitment to the principles of Dollar Diplomacy, and his belief that economic growth could be achieved without resorting to military intervention.

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8. William Howard Taft's Downfall: Unaware Choices

William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, was often unaware of the political consequences of his choices, which ultimately led to his downfall. His decisions alienated his own key constituencies, and in 1912, he was devastatingly crushed in his bid for a second term as president. This crushing defeat was a major setback for Taft, who had previously served as the Secretary of War and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

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9. Taft Wins Nobel for World Peace Efforts

After leaving office, William Howard Taft dedicated himself to the pursuit of world peace. He founded the League to Enforce Peace, an organization that sought to prevent war through international cooperation and arbitration. Taft also remained active in academia, teaching at Yale Law School and serving as a visiting professor at several universities. He also served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, where he wrote several influential opinions. His commitment to peace and justice earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1921.

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10. The Chief Justice Who Restrained the Court

In 1921, President Warren G. Harding appointed William Howard Taft as the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, a position he held until shortly before his death in 1930. During his tenure, Taft was known for his commitment to judicial restraint and for his efforts to reduce the backlog of cases before the court. He also worked to improve the court's efficiency and to expand its jurisdiction. His legacy as Chief Justice is remembered as one of the most influential in the court's history.

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