Doris Kearns Goodwin

This book will probably not be remembered as one of Kearns Goodwin's better efforts. Little of the research appears new or enthralling. The lessons for current political parties are pretty well understood. The role of the press as independent arbiter of public policy is nothing new. That said, I must admit to having enjoyed being in the company of William Howard Taft, a character I had little knowledge of before reading this book. Taft helped Roosevelt contain the trusts, the huge conglomerates who controlled the railroads, the production and distribution of oil, food production, and steel. Both men played a significant role in the way the US government behaves today. America had changed dramatically from the Civil War until Woodrow Wilson's election in 1912. Rockefeller, Morgan, Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt all played large roles in the industrialisation of America during this period. This book is about the correction that took place as a result. About the progressive era that blew new winds into a Washington that had been dominated by Lincoln's Republican party and settled Wilson and the Democrats into power.… (plus d'informations)