Have Faith in Massachusetts

by Calvin Coolidge

Calvin Coolidge was the 30th President of the United States. This collection of speeches and messages were written during his term as Governor of Massachusetts. Coolidge went on to become Vice President in 1920 under Warren Harding. In 1923 he became President after Harding's death. This volume is a good look at events in New England at the beginning of 20th century.

Genres: Politics, History, Political Science

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2004

About the author

John Calvin Coolidge, Jr. was the thirtieth President of the United States (1923–1929). A Republican lawyer from Vermont, Coolidge worked his way up the ladder of Massachusetts state politics, eventually becoming governor of that state. His actions during the Boston Police Strike of 1919 thrust him into the national spotlight. Soon after, he was elected as the twenty-ninth Vice President in 1920 and succeeded to the Presidency upon the death of Warren G. Harding. Elected in his own right in 1924, he gained a reputation as a small-government conservative.

In many ways Coolidge's style of governance was a throwback to the passive presidency of the nineteenth century. He restored public confidence in the White House after the scandals of his predecessor's administration, and left office with considerable popularity. As his biographer later put it, "he embodied the spirit and hopes of the middle class, could interpret their longings and express their opinions. That he did represent the genius of the average is the most convincing proof of his strength."

Many later criticized Coolidge as part of a general criticism of laissez-faire government. His reputation underwent a renaissance during the Reagan administration, but the ultimate assessment of his presidency is still divided between those who approve of his reduction of the size of government and those who believe the federal government should be more involved in regulating the economy.

Reviews

[Justin Poe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about this little book while reading the much more in depth biography of Coolidge by Amity Shales. This 140 page book is a collection of speeches given by Coolidge over a 5-6 year period while Coolidge was in the MA Senate and as governor of the state. It was put together by a campaign aid while Coolidge was running for President in '20-21 as a "propaganda" piece so that mid westerners would become more familiar with Coolidge. Call it a pre TV/Cable campaign advertisement.

Probably very boring reading for someone not much interested in history but I enjoyed it. You get a better feel from reading actual speeches and correspondence as to a person's beliefs and worldview then you do by reading a second hand biography.

[Daniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book to try and understand what all the fuss was about about this Republican president. They said he was a straight shooter. A good communicator. And that this book helped make his reputation.

I am impressed with Calvin Coolidge in terms of his biography. He seems like what they say.

But I am not impressed with this book. It’s OK. As an example of a historical first source, or primary source, it might even be excellent. I now know that the man’s mind is as orderly as they say.

But I also found it boring. And full of the rah rah can-do attitude of his time.

Is quite time-bound in other words. I am kind of amazed that this book made his reputation. And was regarded as some kind of font of wisdom.

I would love to find someone else who is reddit in my era she disagree with me. The show me how I have missed but this book is more than cardboard. It seems so self satisfied.

I’m sure there are redeeming things about it. It is my fault for not making these observations closer in time to reading it.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an important book in my life.