American Presidents: Critical Essays

The American Presidents: A Comprehensive Examination of the Men Who Have Held the Office

What makes a president great? This collection of articles, written by the leading presidential historians in the United States, offers insights into the strengths, weaknesses, and legacies of the men who have occupied the office of the presidency since its inception in 1789.

The contributors to this volume were not asked to write straightforward biographies; rather, they were tasked with evaluating their subjects and analyzing the factors that contributed to their success or failure. No strict patterns were imposed, allowing each author to approach their subject in the manner that best captured the nuances of the president's career.

Forty-one individuals have held the office of the president, and each has been, in one way or another, an exceptional man. Some, like Andrew Jackson and Harry Truman, are often viewed as representing the common folk, but they were anything but ordinary. These individuals proved to be extraordinary and singular politicians, capable of rallying and representing the country through the challenges of their times.

Conversely, some presidents have achieved brilliance in other fields, such as Ulysses Grant's military prowess and Herbert Hoover's engineering and humanitarian accomplishments, only to be considered unsuccessful in their presidencies. This seeming paradox raises the question: What accounts for the inability of certain individuals to translate their insights, sensitivity, and competence into effective presidential leadership?

The American Presidents delves into this and other issues, examining the ways in which the challenges faced by each president have shaped their legacies. Theodore Roosevelt, for instance, was acutely aware that the prosperity and peace enjoyed during his two terms would prevent him from reaching the upper echelons of greatness achieved by Washington and Lincoln. After leaving office, he yearned to return, in the hope of finding the challenge that would seal his legacy.

In contrast, earlier in the late nineteenth century, the electorate placed competent men such as Rutherford B. Hayes, Grover Cleveland, and Benjamin Harrison in the White House, but their presidencies have largely been forgotten. This is because they did not face earth-shaking challenges at home and abroad, and their terms slipped into obscurity.

The American Presidents also examines the ways in which presidential personalities have affected their performance. Over the course of more than two centuries, the presidency has proved to be a remarkably durable institution, with personalities ranging from the patrician aloofness of Washington to the moody introspection of Lincoln to the noisy exuberance of Theodore Roosevelt.

In addition to the 41 signed essays by leading experts, this volume features selected bibliographies, at-a-glance summaries of each president's achievements, and useful charts and tables on cabinet members, first ladies, and vice presidents from Washington to Clinton. It also provides addresses and web addresses for the major presidential libraries, making it an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and the general public.

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