William Howard Taft

ModernPoliticianUnited States1857 — 1930

President who later became Chief Justice.

Compare:vs Napoleon vs Julius Caesar

Quick Facts

Born

1857

Died

1930

Country

United States

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)38

Political (20%)72

Influence (20%)73

Legacy (20%)70

Leadership (15%)79

Strategy (15%)35

Total Score64.0

William Howard Taft — Complete Timeline

1908 AD

Election as President of the United StatesPolitical Action◆ Major

Taft, a Republican, won the 1908 presidential election against Democrat William Jennings Bryan. Taft was handpicked by outgoing President Theodore Roosevelt as his successor, promising to continue Roosevelt's progressive policies.

Presidential ElectionRepublican Party

Impact: national

1909 AD

Signing of the Payne-Aldrich TariffPolitical Action◆ Major

Taft signed the Payne-Aldrich Tariff, which lowered some tariffs but raised others, disappointing progressives who wanted significant reductions. The tariff alienated Taft from the progressive wing of the Republican Party and contributed to the party split.

Tariff PolicyRepublican Split

Impact: national

1921 AD

Appointment as Chief Justice of the United StatesPolitical Action◆ Major

President Warren G. Harding appointed Taft as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, a position Taft had long desired. Taft served until 1930, becoming the only person to have held both the presidency and the chief justiceship.

Supreme CourtJudicial Appointment

Impact: nationalconstructive