Frequently Asked Questions
Which president had the most unusual hobby?
While many presidents had unique pastimes, Theodore Roosevelt is often cited for having the most varied and surprising hobbies. He was an expert taxidermist from a young age, a published author on naval history, a passionate birdwatcher, and an enthusiastic boxer who continued to spar in the White House. His adventurous spirit defined his public image and political style.
How did Abraham Lincoln’s personal struggles affect his presidency?
Lincoln’s lifelong struggle with severe depression, or “melancholy,” is now seen by historians as a source of his greatest strengths. It instilled in him a profound sense of empathy and humility, which allowed him to connect with the suffering of ordinary soldiers and citizens. His depression also gave him a grim determination and resilience, enabling him to withstand the immense pressures and catastrophic losses of the Civil War without losing his resolve to preserve the Union.
Did a president’s wife ever secretly run the country?
Yes, in a limited but crucial sense. After President Woodrow Wilson suffered a massive stroke in October 1919, his wife, Edith Wilson, took on a role that many historians call a “stewardship.” She fiercely guarded access to her incapacitated husband, deciding which documents he saw and which government officials could speak with him. While she did not make policy herself, she acted as the sole gatekeeper to the presidency for over a year, making her one of the most powerful women in American political history.
Why don’t we learn these facts in most American history classes?
Standard history curricula tend to focus on major political events, legislation, wars, and economic trends. There is often limited time to delve into the personal lives and personalities of historical figures. Additionally, many of these facts were deliberately hidden from the public at the time and have only been brought to light through the work of historians who have accessed private letters, diaries, and medical records decades later.
Has the relationship between the press and the president’s private life changed over time?
The relationship has changed dramatically. In the early 20th century, the press often acted as a protector of the president’s image, as seen with the “gentlemen’s agreement” to hide FDR’s paralysis. Following the credibility gap of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal in the 1960s and 70s, the press adopted a much more adversarial and investigative role. Today, nearly every aspect of a president’s personal life and health is subject to intense public scrutiny.
