“Accidental Presidents: Eight Men Who Changed America” by Jared Cohen is a compelling exploration of the eight U.S. vice presidents who unexpectedly ascended to the presidency following the death of a sitting president. This book provides a nuanced analysis of how these “accidental” presidents not only rose to the occasion but also significantly influenced the course of American history.
Concept and Structure
The book is organized chronologically, with each chapter dedicated to one of the eight vice presidents who became president due to unforeseen circumstances. Cohen delves into the personal and political backgrounds of these men, examining the challenges they faced and the legacies they left behind. The narrative is both informative and engaging, blending historical facts with insightful commentary.
Key Themes and Concepts
Unforeseen Transitions
- Historical Context: Cohen sets the stage by detailing the historical context in which each vice president assumed office, highlighting the political, social, and economic conditions of the time.
- The Shock of Succession: The sudden death of a president often plunged the nation into uncertainty, making the role of the succeeding vice president crucial in stabilizing the country.
Leadership in Crisis
- Immediate Challenges: Each “accidental” president faced immediate challenges, ranging from political opposition and public skepticism to urgent national crises. Cohen examines how each leader navigated these challenges.
- Defining Decisions: The book highlights the critical decisions made by these presidents, illustrating how their leadership during turbulent times shaped the nation’s trajectory.
Personal and Political Dynamics
- Character and Background: Cohen provides in-depth profiles of the vice presidents, exploring their personalities, backgrounds, and paths to power. This biographical approach helps readers understand their motivations and actions as president.
- Political Acumen: The ability of these leaders to navigate the complex political landscape is a recurring theme, demonstrating their adaptability and strategic thinking.
Legacy and Impact
- Long-term Influence: Cohen assesses the long-term impact of each president’s policies and actions, considering how their unexpected tenures influenced subsequent American history.
- Public Perception: The book also explores how public perception of these presidents evolved over time, reflecting on their enduring legacies.
Notable Presidents Covered
- John Tyler: The first vice president to succeed a deceased president, Tyler faced significant constitutional questions and political challenges during his term.
- Millard Fillmore: Ascended after Zachary Taylor’s death, Fillmore’s presidency was marked by the Compromise of 1850 and its contentious aftermath.
- Andrew Johnson: Succeeded Abraham Lincoln after his assassination, Johnson’s presidency was defined by his contentious approach to Reconstruction.
- Chester A. Arthur: Took office following James Garfield’s assassination, Arthur’s unexpected reformist agenda surprised many.
- Theodore Roosevelt: Perhaps the most famous accidental president, Roosevelt’s dynamic leadership after William McKinley’s assassination transformed American politics and society.
- Calvin Coolidge: Became president after Warren G. Harding’s death, Coolidge’s presidency emphasized limited government and laissez-faire economics.
- Harry S. Truman: Succeeded Franklin D. Roosevelt during the final stages of World War II, Truman’s decisions significantly shaped the postwar world.
- Lyndon B. Johnson: After John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Johnson’s ambitious domestic agenda and controversial Vietnam War policies left a lasting impact.
About the Author: Jared Cohen
Jared Cohen is the founder and CEO of Jigsaw (formerly Google Ideas) and an adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He has served as a member of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff under both Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton. Cohen is also the author of several books, including “Children of Jihad” and “One Hundred Days of Silence: America and the Rwanda Genocide.” His work often focuses on the intersection of technology, national security, and history.
“Accidental Presidents: Eight Men Who Changed America” by Jared Cohen offers a fascinating exploration of the vice presidents who were thrust into the highest office in the land under extraordinary circumstances. Through detailed historical analysis and vivid storytelling, Cohen illuminates the critical roles these leaders played in shaping the course of American history. This book is a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the complexities of presidential leadership and succession.