WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT: PRESIDENT AND CHIEF JUSTICE: Secretaries of War

» Mugwump53 - Secretaries of War

Excellent questions. Here are some answers off the top of my head:

No, you didn't miss a thing (you never do). Taft's experience as Governor of the Philippines actually gave him more military experience than most Secretaries of War. During his tenure, he put down a revolt and administered military law for a period of time.

Most Secrtearies of War had little or no military experience, including almost all the best ones.

At the start of our government, most had military experience, but then again, most government officials selected by Washington had military experience from the Revolution or he didn't appoint them.

After that, most of the Secs of War during our wars lacked military experience. William Marcy in the Mexican War, Russell Alger (followed by Elihu Root) during the Spanish-American War, Newton Baker in WWI and Henry Stimson in WWII all lacked military experience.

Secretaries of War are civilians and politicians, and are chosen for their political connections and administrative ability. The principle of civilian control of the military makes this not only possible but desirable.

Taft did an excellent job as Secretary of War. In fact, he became Teddy Roosevelt's principle advisor, and TR relied heavily on Taft. (TR used to joke that he never worried about things boiling over in Washington when he was gone. He left Taft in charge, and nothing boiled over with Taft sitting on the lid)

Taft did well. It is interesting to note that he was the first Secretary of War (who had not served as Secretary of State) to become President. In other words, he was the first to be elected President because of the job he did as Secretary of War.

I hope this is of some help. If you want more specific information, I would be glad to do some research on the subject.

Thanks again for your excellent questions, which are always a pleasure to receive.

John S. Cooper
Editor, Presidents & First Ladies

-- posted by Mugwump53