1. The Progressive Presidents
Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson

2. Theodore Roosevelt Weak child, overcame weaknesses
Wealthy family, Harvard cowboy
Used media well in NY politics
Wife, mother died on same day
Wanted American Imperialism, “White man’s burden”

3. Young “Teedy” Roosevelt

4. Roosevelt (cont.) USS Maine explodes in Cuba
Begins Spanish-American War
Made “Rough Riders” to attack Spain
Famous San Juan Hill charge—hero
Made governor of NY, VP
McKinley assassination makes him president (new, active man)
Protects natural resources

5. Rough Rider

6. Roosevelt (cont.) “Speak softly and carry a big stick”
Used “Panama revolution” to build and control canal under Monroe Doctrine.
Broke monopolies when abusive—ie. railroads but not steel.
Supported unions if honest.
Feared socialism, re-elected to “Bully Pulpit”.

7. William Howard Taft

8. Roosevelt
Chose P.R. nightmare, tariff problem- plagued Taft as successor, regretted it.
Taft alienated Progressives/T.R.
1912—T.R. ran against Taft as Progressive “Bull Moose Party” (shot, finishes speech)
Taft and Roosevelt defeated by democrat Woodrow Wilson.

9. 1912 Election Results
Woodrow Wilson (435)
Teddy Roosevelt (88)
William Howard Taft (8)
Eugene Debs (0)
Socialist Party=6% of vote
Runs for pres. from prison in 1920

10. Woodrow Wilson Wilson continues progressive reforms
Creates Federal Reserve and Federal Trade Commission to manage finance.
Direct federal income tax created.
Major racist, expels all African Americans from government positions.
Reelected 1916 under slogan “He kept us out of war.”

11. Woodrow Wilson