William Taft Fansite

William Taft’s presidency, though not often marked upon as one of great excitement, was one in which the United States took some important steps towards greater financial security.

Taft won his 1908 candidacy race rather easily despite not being overly keen about the position (he wanted more to be a judge). His policies followed the letter of the law, and he seemed to fight big business with every step, attacking trusts and alienating his opponents and his allies alike.

Taft remained in the spot until 1913. A proponent of ‘dollar diplomacy’ – investing money in less prosperous nations to get them started – he was responsible for establishing both a parcel post system and a postals savings bank, not to mention expanding he civil service. He was also part of the 17th Amendment which mandated the election of senators, not through appointment by the state, but by the people themselves.