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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

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

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

9. 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.”

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

12. 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

14. 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?)

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

16. 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