Presidents by fate : nine who ascended through death or resignation / F. Martin Harmon.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Harmon, F. Martin, 1951- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Presidents--Succession--United States--History--Case studies.

Presidents.

Presidents--United States--Biography.

Presidents--Succession.

History.

United States.

Vice-presidents--United States--Biography.

Vice-presidents.

Genre:

Biographies.

Case studies.

History.

Physical Description:

viii, 223 pages ; 26 cm

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, North Carolina : McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, [2019]

Summary:

"Throughout the history of the United States, only nine men have become president without having first been elected. These men were elevated to the Oval Office by the death or failure of a standing president, and their legacies are as mixed as their circumstances. This book evaluates the similarities and distinct differences of these men, their varying degrees of ambition and readiness, and how they each handled this responsibility thrust upon them. Some became presidential legends, while others are counted among the worst presidents of all time. Their shared stories can shed light on America's political development during the last two centuries, and on what the next might hold"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction: Common bond, shared burden

Preface: A unique fraternity

Prologue: Hometown disappointment

John Tyler : establishing precedent

Millard Fillmore : repeating history

Andrew Johnson : lack of temperament

Chester Arthur : the unlikeliest president

Theodore Roosevelt : never one who enjoyed it more

Calvin Coolidge : boom times

Harry Truman : better than expected

Lyndon Johnson : political disciple

Gerald Ford : restoration project

Tyler, Texas, and setting the record straight

Fillmore and the seeds of discontent

The first Johnson struggles to measure up

The surprising story of Chester Alan Arthur

America's change agent : Theodore Roosevelt

Reinventing "Silent Cal" Coolidge

Overachieving with "Give 'em Hell Harry"

The second Johnson weaves a powerful web

Gerald Ford : right man for a time gone wrong

Where they rank

Humble beginnings; absence of ambition

Accidental similarities

Party abandonment or abdication

Racial ramifications

Alternate agendas

Lasting accomplishments and what ifs

Political pros or system politicians

Epilogue: Is our tenth on the horizon?

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781476677422

1476677425

OCLC:

1090284794