The presidency
Taft’s legal approach to reform did not satisfy either conservative or progressive Republicans. The Payne–Aldrich tariff controversy and a conservation dispute widened the split with Roosevelt. In 1912, Roosevelt ran as a Progressive, dividing Republican voters and helping Woodrow Wilson win. Taft later achieved his preferred office, becoming chief justice of the United States in 1921.
Before the White House
Cincinnati, Ohio
Born September 15, 1857.
Taft was born in Cincinnati and studied at Yale and Cincinnati Law School. He served as a judge, governor of the Philippines under American rule, and secretary of war. Judicial work remained his strongest professional preference. Theodore Roosevelt supported him as a successor in 1908.
Key moments
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Born in Cincinnati, Ohio
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Signed a law creating postal savings.
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Signed the law creating the Children's Bureau.
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The 16th Amendment authorized income taxes.
Notable laws & actions
These entries distinguish laws, treaties, executive decisions, and proposals. Congress passes statutes; presidents sign or veto them. A president does not act alone.
Mann–Elkins Act
Expanded the Interstate Commerce Commission’s authority, including oversight involving communications companies.
Postal Savings Depository Act
Established a postal savings system intended to offer a secure place for small deposits.
Payne–Aldrich Tariff
Signed a tariff measure that disappointed many reformers who had expected broader reductions.
Legacy
Taft is the only person to have served as both president and chief justice. His record challenges the simple idea that reform ended when Roosevelt left office: substantial antitrust and regulatory activity continued, although the political coalition fractured.
Miller Center · Biography & facts ↗
Controversies
His dollar diplomacy backed U.S. intervention abroad.
In their words
“Our international policy is always to promote peace.”Inaugural Address · Quoted by the Miller Center ↗
This excerpt is attributed to William Howard Taft in the Miller Center’s biography. Its source is identified there as “Inaugural Address.” Read the source alongside the record of the presidency.
Short excerpt; wording and capitalization follow the cited source.
Look closer
View image source record ↗
Reading a portrait
Look at the clothing, pose, expression, and background. What impression of leadership does this image create?
A portrait represents one moment and one choice of presentation. Compare its message with the decisions described in this biography.
Test your knowledge
Try answering before opening each explanation.
Where was William Howard Taft born?
Cincinnati, Ohio.
When did this president serve?
1909–1913.
What is one law or action associated with this presidency?
Mann–Elkins Act. Expanded the Interstate Commerce Commission’s authority, including oversight involving communications companies.
What is one lasting part of this president’s legacy?
Taft is the only person to have served as both president and chief justice. His record challenges the simple idea that reform ended when Roosevelt left office: substantial antitrust and regulatory activity continued, although the political coalition fractured.
Sources & further reading
The linked biographies support the life history and policy summaries above. Quotations and image credits have their own source links.
- Miller Center · Biography & facts
- Miller Center · Early life
- Miller Center · Domestic affairs
- Miller Center · Foreign affairs
- Miller Center · Life in brief
- Portrait source record
Prepared September 23, 2026.