Robert A. Taft

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President_Taft_and_his_family_(1912)


Robert A. Taft.jpg
Taft in 1949



Robert Alphonso Taft (September 8, 1889 – July 31, 1953) was an American conservative politician, lawyer, and Senator from Ohio. He was the eldest son of President William Howard Taft and Helen Herron Taft. Known as "Mr. Republican," Taft was a prominent figure in the Republican Party and a leading voice for conservatism in the mid-20th century.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Robert A. Taft was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to William Howard Taft and Helen Herron Taft. He attended Yale University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1910. He then attended Harvard Law School, earning his LLB in 1913.

Legal Career[edit | edit source]

After graduating from Harvard Law School, Taft returned to Ohio to practice law. He worked in various legal capacities before entering politics.

Political Career[edit | edit source]

Ohio State Legislature[edit | edit source]

Taft began his political career in the Ohio House of Representatives, serving from 1921 to 1926. He then served in the Ohio Senate from 1931 to 1933.

United States Senate[edit | edit source]

In 1938, Taft was elected to the United States Senate, where he served until his death in 1953. He was known for his opposition to the New Deal and his advocacy for a limited federal government. Taft played a significant role in the passage of the Taft-Hartley Act in 1947, which restricted the activities and power of labor unions.

Senate Leadership[edit | edit source]

Taft served as the Senate Majority Leader from January 3, 1953, until his death on July 31, 1953. He was also the Senate Minority Leader for a brief period in 1953.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Taft married Martha Wheaton Bowers in 1914, and they had four children, including Robert Taft Jr., who also became a U.S. Senator from Ohio.

Death and Legacy[edit | edit source]

Robert A. Taft died on July 31, 1953, in New York City. He is remembered as a staunch advocate for conservatism and a significant figure in the history of the Republican Party.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]



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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD