The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge by Calvin Coolidge.
Chapter 1
Frontispiece
The frontispiece simply presents the name of the subject of the autobiography, Calvin Coolidge.
Chapter 2
The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge
Calvin Coolidge recounts his early life, family heritage, education, and the formative influences that shaped his character and political philosophy, emphasizing hard work, duty, and self-reliance.
Chapter 3
I: Scenes of My Childhood
Calvin Coolidge describes his early life in Plymouth, Vermont, detailing the geography, the hard but wholesome farm work, the character of his family and neighbors, and the practical lessons in government and duty he learned from his father. He reflects on the seasonal rhythms of farm life, the influence of his grandmother, and the modest, self-reliant community that shaped his values.
Chapter 4
II: Seeking My Education
Coolidge reflects on his formal education, from his early departure for Black River Academy to his studies at Amherst College and his eventual admission to the Massachusetts Bar. He emphasizes the importance of self-direction, hard work, and the influence of key teachers like Charles E. Garman, whose philosophy course taught him to think critically and follow the truth. The chapter also covers his early interest in civil government and the Constitution, his frugal lifestyle, and his first political engagement during the 1896 free silver campaign.
Chapter 5
The Law and Politics
Coolidge recounts his early political career, from being elected Mayor of Northampton to serving in the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives, emphasizing his commitment to law, frugality, and public service. He also describes his marriage to Grace Goodhue, the birth of his son John, and his efforts to maintain independence through his law practice.
Chapter 6
In National Politics
Coolidge recounts his election to the Vice Presidency, the campaign of 1920, the transition from Governor to Vice President, his observations of the Senate and the Harding administration, and the growing burden on President Harding's health before his final departure.
Chapter 7
On Entering and Leaving the Presidency
Coolidge reflects on the burdens of the presidency, the death of President Harding, his own sudden ascension to the office, and the personal sacrifices required of a president, including the loss of his son and father.
Chapter 8
Some of the Duties of the President
Coolidge reflects on the immense and indefinable nature of the presidency, emphasizing the importance of delegating tasks to competent subordinates, the burden of final responsibility, and the President's role as both executive and party leader. He discusses the political mind, the need for party solidarity, the defense of constitutional powers, and the humility required in the office.
Chapter 9
Why I Did Not Choose to Run
Coolidge explains his decision not to seek re-election in 1928, citing the heavy toll of the presidency, the importance of avoiding selfishness and self-delusion, and the belief that a new impulse would benefit the country. He details his careful public announcement, his instructions to delegates not to vote for him, and his desire to return to private life and serve as a citizen.
Chapter 10
List of Illustrations
This chapter provides a list of illustrations depicting Calvin Coolidge, his mother Victoria Josephine (Moore) Coolidge, his father Colonel John C. Coolidge, and his wife Grace Goodhue at various stages of their lives, including a family portrait on the day Coolidge became governor of Massachusetts.