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Accidental Presidents The 8 Men Who Changed America Summary

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"Accidental Presidents: The 8 Men Who Changed America" by Jared Cohen is a thought-provoking exploration into the unexpected ascensions of certain individuals to the highest office in the United States. Through ten amazing chapters, Cohen sheds light on the leadership, challenges, and legacies of presidents who found themselves thrust into power under extraordinary circumstances. Each chapter serves as a window into pivotal moments in American history, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of presidential succession and the enduring impacts of unforeseen presidencies. In the first chapter of "Accidental Presidents," Jared Cohen dives into how John Tyler became president after William Henry Harrison died in 1841. Tyler faced big questions about whether he was really the president and how much power he had compared to Congress. He had to deal with a lot of pushback from his own party and other politicians who didn't think he should be president. Tyler tried hard to show he was in charge, even though not everyone agreed. Some folks might think he handled things okay by standing on his ground, while others might think he went too far. Either way, Tyler's time as president shows how leaders have to …show more content…

Arthur takes center stage in the fourth chapter, his unexpected presidency triggered by the death of James A. Garfield in 1881. Cohen paints a vivid picture of Arthur's transformation from a political insider to a reform-minded leader. He describes Arthur's efforts to fight corruption in the government and promote civil service reform, despite facing skepticism and opposition from his own party. Through Arthur's story, Cohen sheds light on the complexities of political leadership and the pursuit of change during the Gilded Age in America. Through Arthur's story, Cohen illustrates the potential for unexpected leaders to rise to the occasion and enact meaningful change, offering a glimpse into the complexities of political leadership in Gilded Age

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