1. Progressivism under Taft
US History

2. Key Concepts
The roles of the Progressive Presidents: Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson
The growing power of the electorate
The changing roles and influence of women
The impact of political and economic changes on the working class
The changing nature of state and local governments

3. Taft becomes President
TR didn’t seek another term
Chose William H. Taft as successor
Taft won easily over W.J. Bryan
pursued progressive reforms cautiously
busted 90 trusts - received little credit
Progressives wanted bolder steps to regulate monopolies

9. In the Shadow of Teddy Payne-Aldrich Tariff compromise tariff
It lowered some tariffs but raided others satisfying neither conservatives or progressives
progressives wanted drastically lower tariffs
law angered progressive leaders

10. Republican Party Splits
Taft’s cautious nature prevented him from holding together both conservatives & progressives w/in the Rep. party
1910 Congressional Elections
Republicans lost control of House (1st time in 18 yrs)
Ballinger-Pinchot Affair
Taft appoints Richard Ballinger Sec. Of Interior
Ballinger removed 1 million acres from reserved list & returned it to public domain
Angers TR, who will run against Taft in 1912

11. Bull Moose Party 1912 TR decided to run for a 3rd term
Rep. Party split in support for TR or Taft
TR’s supporters est. the Bull Moose Party (Progressive Party)
progressive platform called The New Nationalism
Democrats nominated NJ governor Woodrow Wilson

14. Election of 1912 Wilson endorsed a progressive platform
Called his platform the New Freedom
stronger antitrust legislation, banking reform, & reduced tariffs
Rep’s split btwn Taft & TR
Wilson supported small business & free market competition
Wilson won only 42% of pop. Vote, but overwhelming electoral victory
Dem’s also won Congressional elections