My Favorite Presidents to Teach About

For the first time in years I have heard nothing, absolutely nothing about the President’s Day holiday. As a social studies teacher this both angers and acts as a reminder of how little we Americans truly know about our history. But instead of bitching about citizens shortcomings, I decided to instead give my picks for my favorite Presidents in history. Their is no deep scientific or intellectual reasoning for my choices. It’s based upon the enjoyment in teaching the stories of these men.

George Washington: The fascinating thing about Washington is that one, he didn’t want the job. Two, he hated the numerous parties he had to attend. Three, he had no desire to hold power. But most important about Washington is that everything he did would become part of the tradition of the office. He was very keen to this responsible, and made sure that his actions showed both the equal nature of all citizens, and still demonstrated the importance of the Presidency.
Best Story-Upon being elected it took Washington two weeks to travel 235 miles because at every town, he had to experience a parade.

John Adams- He wasn’t a great President by any means, but he was always of the highest moral character. His letters to Abigail and his son reveal a romantic spirit equal to the great lovers of history, and a massive capacity to thoroughly think through every issue.
Many cricize his signing of the Alien and Sedition Acts, but fail to recognize that he refused to enforce them.
Best Story- Tie: Daily walks of six to eight miles well after leaving the Presidency. Dying on the same day as Jefferson, on the fiftieth anniversay of nationhood.

Thomas Jefferson- May be the greatest mind since DaVinci in the scope and breadth of his knowledge and expertice. As President he actually reduced the size of gov’t, including the military, blanced the budget, and still managed to double the size of the country without firing a shot. The irony is that his personal finances were a never-ending disaster. Why he never fulfilled his promise to free his slaves taints him in the eyes of many. It is my belief that his desire to make Monticello perfect kept him from freeing them.
Best Story- The giant wheel of cheese that he received in 1802 was still being served years later.

Abraham Lincoln- The single greatest example of the American character in a President. His limited education and simple, backwoods manners prepared him for the most difficult Presidency ever, better than any great university could have done. By keeping his enemies close he was able to out-maneuver them at every turn, and eventually turn them into supporters.
Best Story- Once, during a cabinet meeting his boys shot off a toy cannon. The members were outraged except Lincoln, who rolled in laughter.

Theodore Roosevelt- The most powerful occupant the White House ever housed. TR was also the most energetic. What set him apart was the simple mantra question that he looked upon in making all of his decisions, “What is morally right?” His time in the White House signalled a massive decline in the power of political bosses and the ushering in of fair labor practices. His desire to level the playing field between business and labor belied the irony that he was a republican.
Best Story- As a very sickly infant his father would ride the carriage at full speed at night in order to force air into Theodore’s lungs to help him breath.

Woodrow Wilson- Dyslexics should look upon Wilson as their ultimate hero as historians have concluded that he suffered acutely from this disability, yet still became a celebrated college professor, then president of Dartmouth University. As president he had the foresight to avoid WWI as long as possible, then afterwards to recognize the importance of a world organization of nations.
Best Story- Wilson was able to privately court his second wife Edith while being President. That could never happen today.

Franklin Roosevelt- I believe it is perfectly fair to say that had he not suffered from polio FDR would not have recognized that a radical change in how gov’t works with the economy was needed. Those of us who enjoy national park trails can thank the CCC for creating that access. His ability to lead us into supporting the British and preparing the military for war saved tens of thousands of soldiers lives. His signing of the GI Bill in 1944 that created the modern educated middle class in America may just be the best kept secret. It is ironic to think that the two greatest champions of the common working people came from very exclusive, wealthy backgrounds.
Best Story- Although it appeared that he walked, he was actually propelling himself forward by lifting himself using his arms and shoulders against his assistants.

Harry Truman- The most plain spoken President since Lincoln. Truman was at first considered a caretaker until the next election. Instead, he became a force unique in modern politics. His unabashed straight talk both irritated and pleased foreign leaders who were used to the the confusing non answers of FDR. To Americans he was simply, Harry. His decision to airlift supplies into Berlin found the perfect point between pressure and diplomacy with the Soviet Union. His willingness to completely gut and rebuild the interior of the White House with a steel frame saved the building from collapse.
Best Story- Truman took great pleasure in ditching his secret service detail in order to take power walks throughout Washington DC.

Other Presidents made contributions and had great stories, but those above were the most effective and most interesting to students. A special note to Reagan fans, I never get to his era, with all the end of year activities. If I ever do I will then include him as my great aunt and uncle (married now 71 years) knew him and have stories from his early years.