The American President: From Teddy Roosevelt to Bill Clinton By William E. Leuchtenburg

Abstract

The dean of presidential historians William E. Leuchtenburg has written a sweeping review of twentieth-century presidents. Best known for his books and writings about Franklin D. Roosevelt, Leuchtenburg’s main objective in The American President is to highlight the growth and development of presidential power. He—like many other scholars—identifies Theodore Roosevelt as the pivotal president in expanding presidential power and creating the permanent break with the weaker conception of the presidency exhibited by nine-teenth-century presidents.