History’s Most Controversial U.S. Presidents
By Tom Morrow
There are several Presidents whom students of history should study to understand what made America the dominant global nation. Today’s young people, for the most part, pay little attention to history and take for granted America’s position in the world. It was no accident how we got here. Along the way there was a lot of kicking and screaming, name-calling and even threats of “impeachment.” The nation’s “White House” has been occupied by some rather controversial figures.
While the 45th White House occupant, President Donald Trump, was an easy “love him or hate him,” he isn’t that much different than other controversial presidents like Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, the turn-of-the 20th century president who found himself in the Oval Office due to the assassination of President William McKinley.
Roosevelt, a Republican, believed in a strong Navy. He had the Navy’s “Great White Fleet” circle the globe to demonstrate our nation’s growing power. “T.R.” believed in his “Big Stick” foreign policy – “Walk softly but carry a big stick.”
T.R. oversaw the historic, but controversial building of the Panama Canal, opening the Atlantic to the Pacific, cutting east-west travel time in half.
Roosevelt was placed in the vice presidency by the Republicans to get rid of him. As governor of New York, he had been such a thorn to old-guard GOP politicians. They wanted to put him where they thought he couldn’t do any harm. It backfired. Once in the presidency, T.R. created havoc in both government and business with a vast variety of reforms. Among other monikers, he became known as the “Trust Buster.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt often has been called America’s greatest president. He served more than 12 years, guiding the nation through the dark years of the 1930s Great Depression into five years of World War II. Dozens of books have been written on FDR, making his presidency the pivotal time of the 20th century. Many of his policies and actions were challenged in the courts and remain a subject of controversy such as Social Security. But, to date no one has returned their monthly checks.
Arguably, one of our best chief executives was Harry S. Truman. During the 20th century, he was the only high school graduate to become president. Known among detractors as “His Accidency,” Truman became president in 1945, when Roosevelt died a few weeks into his fourth term.
As vice president, Truman wasn’t told about the $2 billion atom bomb project until he took over the presidency. Five months later Truman made the decision to drop two bombs on Japan. It remains one of history’s most important, yet controversial decisions.
The “Cold War” began with Truman and lasted for more than 40 years until President Ronald Reagan caused the Soviet Union to collapse trying to keep up militarily. Staunchly anti-Communist, Reagan dedicated himself to ending the Cold War – and did.
Richard Nixon was great on foreign affairs, but dishonest domestically.
If you supported, defended, or were upset, confused, baffled, and dismayed with former President Trump, you might try spending a few hours studying arguably our most controversial of presidents, Andrew Jackson.
During the War of 1812, Jackson led a force of inexperienced volunteers against overwhelming British forces to win the Battle of New Orleans. He had at least two duels during his tumultuous life, and was the only president to serve in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson, (a title he gave himself), was committed to representing and protecting the “Common Man,” a banner to be carried by several future chief executives. As president between 1829 and 1837. Jackson might have been the closest we’ve had to a dictator.
Some presidents have seemed beyond controversial because of instantaneous world-wide mass media, whereas Jackson was more explosive, but only limited media kept the nation informed of that.
Jackson forever changed history setting the executive branch on an equal footing with Congress by assuming the ability to shape law and government policies.
He believed the presidency should have broad authority and was widely criticized for expanding its power. Like others, he was known for rewarding his supporters with government jobs. The threat of “impeachment” loomed over the Capitol.
During his watch both the economy and the Native American population suffered. He was responsible for the moving Indians from traditional home lands in the East to the Oklahoma territory. The movement was known as the “Trail of Tears.”
The placement of Jackson on the $20 bill is ironic. He vehemently opposed paper money while attempting the destruction of the National Bank, and in his farewell address he cautioned about paper money.
Students of history should enjoy comparing “Andy” Jackson to Donald Trump. Joe Biden, our current president, may yet be another controversial chief executive. Most of the decisions made by Trump already have been undone by Biden. The jury will be out until the next three years pass to see how he fairs.