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"Big Bill" takes office
The hand-picked successor to Theodore Roosevelt, Taft continued modified policies regarding Progressivism and Imperialism. Much less bombastic that TR, Taft was not heralded as a strong President – perhaps even a bit reluctant. He would later serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the only man to have held both positions. More of Taft -
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William H. Taft Administration
The hand-picked successor to Theodore Roosevelt, Taft continued modified policies regarding Progressivism and Imperialism. Much less bombastic that TR, Taft was not heralded as a strong President – perhaps even a bit reluctant. He would later serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the only man to have held both positions. -
Uprising of the 20,000 (International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union) (VUS.8d)
Founded in New York, this became the first union to have primarily female membership. The strike was initially spontaneous – but the union worked to enhance the interests of the women, and men, who worked as skilled and unskilled laborers in the sweatshops. The tragedy of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire helped raise public awareness for the plight of the workers. Read MORE -
Dollar Diplomacy (VUS.9a)
In his address to Congress, Taft explained his attempts to encourage American business to invest in development of Latin America. This he believed would strengthen the American economy through trade and investment. Taft also responded to fears of regional instability by stating that force would be used to protect any American investments in that region. MORE -
Triangle Shirtwaist Fire Tragedy (VUS.8d)
Women who worked in very cramped and unsafe conditions stampeded toward inadequate exits; 146 women would die, some even leaping to the pavement hoping to survive. The tragedy highlights the need to provide social justice for immigrant sweatshop workers – and the importance of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union. MORE -
Standard Oil GUILTY (VUS.8d)
John D. Rockefeller’s company was found guilty of anti-trust laws and ordered to dissolve. Taft was an ardent supporter of breaking trusts – and his record would outshine even Theodore Roosevelt’s “trust busting” efforts. MORE -
Nominations (VUS.8d)
Theodore Roosevelt breaks with the tradition established by George Washington, and announces he would run for President for a third term. The Republicans however, stick with William H. Taft, which would eventually divide the party between conservatives and progressives. -
An 8-Hour Work Day (VUS.8d)
Congress passed a labor law establishing limiting the workday for all workers with federal contracts. Another victory for Labor Unions. -
The Election of 1912 (VUS.8d)
Woodrow Wilson (Democrat) defeated President Taft (Republican) and Theodore Roosevelt (Progressive Party) who was running as a third party candidate. Read MORE about this important election. -
The 16th Amendment Ratified (VUS.8d)
This amendment provided for a federal income tax on personal incomes. Originally advocated by Taft back in 1909, this change would alter the way the Government raises revenue - shifting from tariffs to a progressive income tax.
