Presidents by Fate: Nine Who Ascended through Death or Resignation

by F. Martin Harmon

Overview

Throughout the history of the United States, only nine men were elevated to the White House by the death or failure of a sitting 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 each handled their suddenly enormous duties. Some became presidential legends, while others are counted among the worst. Their shared stories shed light on America's political development during the last two centuries.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476636849
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	08/23/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	231
File size:	7 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

A retired journalist and communications specialist with nearly 50 years writing experience, F. Martin Harmon is the author of six non-fiction books. He previously worked at two daily newspapers, three Southern universities, and most recently the historic polio rehab center founded by Franklin Roosevelt in Warm Springs, Georgia.
A retired journalist and communications specialist with nearly 50 years writing experience, F. Martin Harmon is the author of six non-fiction books. He previously worked at two daily newspapers, three Southern universities, and most recently the historic polio rehab center founded by Franklin Roosevelt in Warm Springs, Georgia.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction: Common Bond, Shared Burden
Preface: A Unique Fraternity
Prologue: Hometown Disappointment
Part I. Their Careers: The Basics
 1. John Tyler—Establishing Precedent
 2. Millard Fillmore—Repeating History
 3. Andrew Johnson—A Lack of Temperament
 4. Chester Alan Arthur—The Unlikeliest President
 5. Theodore Roosevelt—Never One Who Enjoyed It More
 6. Calvin Coolidge—Boom Times
 7. Harry Truman—Better Than Expected
 8. Lyndon B. Johnson—Political Disciple
 9. Gerald Ford—Restoration Project
Part II. Their Biographies: An ­In-Depth Review
10. Tyler, Texas and Setting the Record Straight
11. Fillmore and the Seeds of Discontent
12. The First Johnson Struggles to Measure Up
13. The Surprising Story of Chester Alan Arthur
14. America’s Change Agent—Theodore Roosevelt
15. Reinventing “Silent Cal” Coolidge
16. Overachieving with “Give ’em Hell Harry”
17. The Second Johnson Weaves a Powerful Web
18. Gerald Ford—Right Man for a Time Gone Wrong
Part III. Their Burden: Rankings, Similarities and Contrasts
19. Where They Rank
20. Humble Beginnings; Absence of Ambition
21. Accidental Similarities
22. Party Abandonment or Abdication
23. Racial Ramifications
24. Alternate Agendas
25. Lasting Accomplishments and What Ifs
26. Political Pros or System Politicians
Epilogue: It Will Happen Again
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index