Progressive Presidents How well did Presidents Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson promote progressive goals in national policies? Progressive Presidents

Introduction Three presidents worked to advance the progressive reforms: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson Their efforts helped change how Americans thought, and continue to think, about the role of government Americans began to change their ideas about what the national government should do and how strong the president should be

Three Progressive Presidents Your notes start here  Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson held office between 1901 and 1921 Differed in many ways but shared a commitment to reform All three challenged economic and political power of the industrial giants and worked to end government corruption In doing so, all three expanded the power of the president

Theodore Roosevelt Promises a Square Deal Roosevelt took office in 1901 after McKinley was assassinated and was the youngest president at the age of 42

Theodore Roosevelt Promises a Square Deal Led the fight to dissolve 40 monopolies as a “trust buster“ His program of reform became known as the “Square Deal" and was based on the idea of promising a fair shake for the average citizen, including: Regulation of railroad rates and pure foods and drugs Promotion of the conservation movement, emphasizing efficient use of natural resources.

Taft Continues Reforms Taft took office in 1908 after Roosevelt served two terms Promised to continue Roosevelt’s ideas but lacked the same energy

Taft Continues Reforms During his presidency, Taft initiated 80 antitrust suits Submitted amendments for a Federal income tax and the direct election of Senators

The Election of 1912 Taft signs a bill that raises tariffs and upsets Progressive Republicans – they want Roosevelt back Roosevelt loses in the primaries so he creates his own political party Progressive Party aka Bull Moose Party “I feel fit as a bull moose.”

Election of 1912 Republican Candidate – William Taft Democratic Candidate – Woodrow Wilson Progressive Party Candidate – Theodore Roosevelt

Wilson Wins!!! Candidate Popular Vote Electoral Vote Wilson 6,296, 547 435 Roosevelt 4,118,571 88 Taft 3,486,720 8 Other 1,135,637 None

Wilson Promises New Freedom Wilson’s program of reform became known as “New Freedom” Wanted to eliminate all trusts because he felt they denied economic freedom and hurt small businesses and ordinary citizens He was unable to eliminate all trusts, but he did further limit their power by passing the Clayton Antitrust Act (sound familiar?)

Wilson Promises New Freedom Wilson aided unions by making strikes legal The Federal Reserve System was established under Wilson’s presidency

Let’s Summarize… All three progressive presidents worked towards national reform During their presidencies the following amendments were passed: 16th Amendment – established a federal income tax 17th Amendment – allowed for the direct election of senators 18th Amendment – prohibition of alcohol 19th Amendment – gave women the right to vote