1. Theodore Roosevelt and Progressivism
Progressive Era
Theodore Roosevelt and Progressivism

2. Roosevelt Rises in Politics
Theodore Roosevelt -from wealthy New York family
Harvard graduate – ambitious and affable
Hero of Spanish American War
Elected Governor of New York – fights corruption in gov.

3. TR Becomes President
Roosevelt is William McKinley’s VP in election of 1900.
McKinley is assassinated – TR’s becomes President in 1901
Youngest to that point at 42 years old.

4. The Square Deal Roosevelt defines modern presidency
Sees himself as a protector of the people
Uses position as a “bully pulpit” where he influences perception and shapes legislation
Platform of the “Square Deal” to address evils of society
A Progressive President
“Speak softly and carry a big stick” in terms of foreign policy

6. Trust Busting 1900, trusts control 4/5 of industry in US
Unfair competitive practices; Sherman Anti-trust too weak
TR believed some trusts hurt public interests; broke up 44 trusts while in office
Example: ordered Justice Department to sue Northern Securities Company RR trust in Northern Securities v US

7. Expanding Presidential Powers
TR set precedent by expanding power of Presidency in domestic affairs
1902 Coal Strike – 140k miners strike
Mine owners refuse to bargain
Roosevelt threatens to take over mines unless they agree to arbitration – miners win concessions
To Note:
If strikes threaten public welfare, gov intervenes
Government no longer siding with Big Business in disputes

8. Public Health and Safety
Roosevelt is sickened by Upton Sinclair’s muckraking The Jungle*
Appoints commission to investigate meat packing
Passes Meat Inspection Act of 1906
Passes Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906
Formation of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
* Primary Source Activity

9. The Environment Roosevelt was a pioneer in the CONSERVATION Movement
Conservation- Responsible development (and preservation) of natural resources for common good.
Influenced by naturalist John Muir, TR moves to protect lands
Appointed expert Gifford Pinchot as head of US Forest Service
Eventually preserved over 150 million acres of land

10. First Conservationist President
Set aside more land than all previous Presidents combined
Established US Forest Service

11. Civil Rights
Roosevelt and Progressives in general – little progress on Civil Rights
Roosevelt appointed Blacks to some low level positions
Invited Booker T. Washington to White House (1st African American to be invited to dinner) - public outrage
DuBois and NAACP find little support from Progressives

12. 1. from http://www.thediplomat.com