William Howard Taft
Progressive Era
Taft governed as a more legalistic conservative reformer and later became the only person to serve as both president and chief justice.
Why This Presidency Matters
Split in the Republican Party
Antitrust enforcement continues
Later becomes Chief Justice of the United States
Sequence Recall
Term Structure
1909-03-04 to 1913-03-04
Elected by the Electoral CollegeWhat This President Actually Did
Vice Presidents
Constitutional Themes
Presidency and judiciary crossover
Signature Measures
Expanded antitrust enforcement
Defining Crises
Republican split of 1912
Self-Test Prompts
Which party did William Howard Taft represent, and what broader era does this presidency belong to?
Republican. This presidency is grouped here under Progressive Era.
How did William Howard Taft first enter office?
Elected by the Electoral College.
What are the three most important moments to remember from this presidency?
Split in the Republican Party; Antitrust enforcement continues; Later becomes Chief Justice of the United States.
Daily Drill Extension
Which presidents bracket William Howard Taft in the sequence?
Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.
Which party and era should you associate with William Howard Taft?
Republican; Progressive Era.
How did William Howard Taft first enter office?
Elected by the Electoral College.
Name two high-signal moments that make William Howard Taft historically memorable.
Split in the Republican Party; Antitrust enforcement continues.
Which constitutional or institutional themes should you connect to William Howard Taft?
Presidency and judiciary crossover.