How did William Howard Taft view African Americans?

Answer 1

William Howard Taft's views on African Americans were complex and influenced by the prevailing attitudes of his time. He believed in gradual progress for African Americans and supported some civil rights advancements, yet he often prioritized political expediency over racial equality. Taft's administration was marked by a reluctance to confront issues of racial discrimination directly, and he faced criticism for not doing enough to protect the rights of African Americans, particularly in the context of segregation and disenfranchisement. Overall, while he held some progressive views, his actions often fell short of addressing the systemic racism of his era.