U.S. History as Popular Culture?

As a history major and lifelong reader of U.S. history, the Founding Fathers, Civil War, and U.S. Presidents have always been a major interest of mine. But I didn’t think U.S. history would be a topic for my website. Is Thomas Jefferson pop culture? Hmm, maybe so when you think about it. First, I know I’m not the only one who focused on the bookshelves of guests on news shows during the pandemic. It got to the point where the news anchor’s were routinely commenting on the book titles behind the speakers from home. Grant, Hamilton, and Team of Rivals were continually on display for us all to see, with many other U.S. historical works vying for attention. Also, these books were award-winning and huge sellers. Grant topped the New York Times Bestseller list. A Team of Rivals received the Lincoln Prize, among others, and the book was the basis for Spielberg’s Lincoln film. And what better example of history meets pop culture is there than Hamilton? The book was adapted into a record-smashing sensation as a Tony Award- winning Broadway hip-hop (!) musical. Maybe this stuff is pop culture? Well, it is for today. If you’ve read and enjoyed these books, check out the three below for a look at lesser-known Presidents and the turbulent time periods of their political lives.

1. John Quincy Adams: The Lost Founding Father by William J. Cooper

I just read this book about a one-term President who many people may not know that much about, except for that famous last name. As the author says, “he does not loom large in the American imagination.” Son of John Adams (also a one-term President), he was elected in 1824 by the House of Representatives as no candidate received a majority of electoral votes. The book could easily be titled the “Last” Founding Father. He knew Washington and Jefferson, was appointed minister to Russia and to negotiate the Treaty of Ghent (ending The War of 1812) by Madison, and was Secretary of State under Monroe. He is the only ex-President to be elected to the House of Representatives, serving 17 years until his death in 1848. Cooper presents the full life of John Quincy: his rigid daily schedule of reading the classics, learning multiple languages, studying the Bible, and keeping a daily extensive diary, all in conjunction with his demanding political duties. His life’s mantra was that merit and virtue are what’s important, never self-promotion. This belief was partly responsible for him losing the 1828 election to his archrival, Andrew Jackson.

2. The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft and the Golden Age of Journalism by Doris Kearns Goodwin

If you’ve read Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin try this comprehensive treatise of the Progressive Era: the crusading journalists who investigated political corruption and the relationship between Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. A trio of these journalists, so-called “muckrakers” – Ray Stannard Baker, Lincoln Steffens, and Ida Tarbell – are highlighted for their social reform efforts. Teddy Roosevelt coined the term “bully pulpit” meaning his office as President was a mantle to push an agenda. TR’s life is chronicled here, and while we may have heard some of this before, revisiting his captivating story is always worth it to me. Possibly the most worthwhile study of the book is William Howard Taft, another President that history seems to forget sometimes. I also learned that First Lady Nellie Taft was a remarkable woman. Their time in the Philippines while he was the Governor-General is an absorbing account. William Howard Taft is the answer to a couple cool Presidential trivia questions: Who is the only President to serve as U.S. Supreme Court Justice and who was the first President to throw out the first pitch on baseball’s opening day.

3. Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard

Thank goodness for the subtitle of this book, because the title is so generic, and just plain awful. It could refer to just about any era in U.S. history. But madness, medicine, and murder…now we’re talking. Yet another untold chapter in American history that is fascinating and tragic. It explores the life and death of President James Garfield, elected President in 1880 and assassinated in 1881. Millard covers how remarkable this man was from Civil War hero, reformist, to reluctant President. You get the impression he could have gone on to great things as President. His life was cut short by a disgruntled office seeker, Charles Guiteau. It’s crazy to think now that Presidents of the 1800s were expected to personally entertain government job seekers. The lines often stretched around the White House. The crux of the book is what happens after Garfield is shot – the “madness” part of the story. Millard weaves this saga into the medical thriller that it is. Garfield lingers in various states of health for 79 days before his death from sepsis. Even with the crude medical technology of the 1880s, his medical diagnoses and treatments are completely botched. Of all people, Alexander Graham Bell (yes, the inventor of the telephone) plays a major role in the mission to save the President. I can’t recommend this book enough.

Trivia ? – Who was the first Vice President to become President upon the death of a President?

Answer: John Tyler in 1841