The Men in the Arena

Uncovers how ambition, pride, and differing political philosophies twisted a profound friendship into political animosity and, in the process, changed the Republican Party forever. Personal ambition, perceived slights and differing political philosophies laid the foundation for an unprecedented battle for the Republican presidential nomination in 1912 and, in the process, led to the formation of a third political party and the fundamental transformation of the Republican Party.Prior to 1908, Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft were close friends. Roosevelt had selected Taft to be his hand-picked successor. Once Taft became president in his own right, and set his own agenda, Roosevelt began to have second thoughts about leaving his legacy—and his legislative agenda—in the hands of his friend. This book delves into why the relationship between Roosevelt and Taft soured and how it led to the formation of the Progressive Party and the fundamental transformation of the Republican Party. Chapters include detailed biographical information on several other key players, including Robert LaFollette, William McKinley, Charles D. Hilles and Victor Rosewater.