What was the Square Deal?

“Bully Pulpit” Election 1900, assassination, ascendancy Expanding the power of the presidency Utilize media and shape legislation

A “Square Deal” Reform in society Give a fair shake to all in society (workers, businessmen, impoverished, etc.)

Trustbusting Break up large trusts End monopolies that manipulate workers and consumers Theme: Government regulation Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890)

PA Coal Miners Strike (1902) Coal vital to the US 140,000 workers with unsafe working conditions, long hours, low pay Strike threatened TR steps in and calls the union & management to the White House Arbitration Roosevelt sided with workers – 1st time for a pres.

J.P. Morgan & Northern Securities (1902) Justice Dept. sued company Supreme Court dissolves the company Victory for consumers TR went on to break up 44 trusts in all

Reform Elkins Act (1903) Can’t change RR rates w/o notifying consumers of change No rebates for RR officials Hepburn Act (1906): Gave ICC the power to set a limit of maximum RR rates Limited distribution of free RR passes (a common bribe)

Review Questions 1. What was the Square Deal? 2. How do Presidents use the Bully Pulpit ? 3. Give an example of a trust TR busted: 4. How do we know TR was sympathetic to the plight of working class America?

The Jungle Hits Teddy in Tummy Meat Inspection Act (1906): Required sanitary packaging conditions Healthy animals must be used Pure Food & Drug Act (1906): Contents of food or drugs must be labeled on the package

TR’s Legacy Conservation: Gifford Pinchot – Head of the US Forest Service Convinced TR to protect 150+ million acres