History Camp Discussions
Thursday, October 24 @ 8 pm Eastern
Stan Haynes
Roosevelt to Roosevelt: Presidential Nominating Conventions from 1904 to 1944

From the Publisher:

1904 to 1944. Four decades that were perhaps the most crucial ones for the United States during the twentieth century. Two world wars and emergence as a global power. The Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression. The Progressive movement and the New Deal. Women’s suffrage and Prohibition. The era began with one Roosevelt, Theodore, in the White House, and ended with another, Franklin, residing there.

In those years, as now, the candidates from whom Americans chose to be their president were selected at the nominating conventions of the Democratic and Republican parties. Then, unlike today, conventions mattered. Their outcomes altered history. Nothing was inevitable. Without the twists, turns, and dealmaking at conventions, there would have been no President Woodrow Wilson, no rejection of a third term for President Theodore Roosevelt, no President Warren Harding, no Vice President Calvin Coolidge, and no Vice President Harry Truman. How did the victors at conventions prevail, and why were the losers defeated? This book tells those intriguing stories.

Reviews:

“[A] well-researched and well-written narrative . . . . [T]he historical recollections are anything but boring as they reveal the intriguing stories of past presidential contenders who negotiated the everchanging tides of power and politics . . . . Haynes’ enthusiasm for US political history illuminates the subject matter at all times, and it’s difficult not to be swept away by these true tales . . . . Fans of political history will undoubtedly enjoy this unique offering.”–US Review of Books (RECOMMENDED)

“[A] captivating journey through four decades of American political evolution. Haynes masterfully navigates the tumultuous landscape of the early twentieth century, offering insights into the inner workings of nominating conventions and the personalities that shaped them . . . . Against the backdrop of two world wars, economic upheaval, and social change, Haynes skillfully illuminates the pivotal moments that determined presidential nominees and, consequently, the course of history . . . . Roosevelt to Roosevelt is highly recommended . . . .” — Readers’ Favorite (5 star review)

“This book is not only for fans of Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, but for all who enjoy our great history. What interesting times they were, those conventions of the early 20th century. This is the best book I’ve read on political conventions. You will not only be entertained by the rich personalities of the era, but also greatly educated.”—Brian Tadler, Friends of Sagamore Hill (home of Theodore Roosevelt)

“Haynes presents a detailed account of the U.S. presidential nominating conventions and candidates from 1904-1944, with a particular emphasis on the Roosevelts . . . . The book provides a truly astonishing amount of detail about the people, events, and settings for each convention . . . . [M]any of the anecdotes, like one describing alcohol flowing “freely for conventioneers” six months into Prohibition, paint a fascinating portrait of the time. A meticulously researched, thought-provoking look at the mechanics of American politics.”—Kirkus Reviews

Join us at HistoryCamp.org/discussions for this free event and watch replays of earlier interviews, presentations, and discussions.