The Presidents of the Early 1900s! William McKinley to Woodrow Wilson

William McKinley Now Mr. William McKinley was never a bore, He was president during the Spanish American War In 1901, he got elected again, But when he died, Mr. Roosevelt came in

William McKinley, cont. McKinley, McKinley, Thanks for all you’ve done When you were President Until Nineteen – oh – one (1901)

Teddy Roosevelt Teddy Roosevelt took over for Mr. McKinley Most other countries thought that he was not too friendly He created a large navy, called the Great White Fleet, And he believed in expanding over the seas

Teddy Roosevelt, Cont. Now Teddy was Progressive, he worked for people’s rights! He demanded higher wages, and no more working nights! He was scared to eat meat when he sat at a meal, So he fixed all these problems with his famous Square Deal

Teddy Roosevelt, cont. Teddy, Teddy, Thanks for all you’ve done You speak softly, with a big stick, But you get what you want! Teddy, Teddy, You are the man, You led the Rough Riders All through Cuba’s land

William Howard Taft When Teddy was done, He had done his job well, He said he had a buddy Who he said was really swell Teddy told the people, “Vote for this man,” You will not regret it, And I will shake your hand

William Howard Taft So the people listened, And they voted for Taft But he was a big man, And got stuck in the White House bath! (true story) Now Taft was a nice guy, He was different than Teddy Teddy liked to expand, But Taft wasn’t ready

The 1912 Election When Teddy was not happy With William Howard Taft, He was all the way in Africa, So then, he came back and then the 1912 election… and then the 1912 election… They both ran for election Against a guy named Woodrow They split up all the votes, And Wilson stole the show!

The 1908 Election Roosevelt was president from Roosevelt was president from Roosevelt recommends that the Republicans nominate William Howard Taft Roosevelt recommends that the Republicans nominate William Howard Taft Roosevelt is popular with people, so they listen Roosevelt is popular with people, so they listen William Howard Taft becomes president! William Howard Taft becomes president!

1912 Election Once he was no longer President, Roosevelt went on a hunting safari in Africa Once he was no longer President, Roosevelt went on a hunting safari in Africa He got back and did not like the job Taft was doing He got back and did not like the job Taft was doing Taft wanted to run again, so Roosevelt could not run in Republican Party Taft wanted to run again, so Roosevelt could not run in Republican Party Roosevelt decides to run in his own party – The Bull Moose Party! Roosevelt decides to run in his own party – The Bull Moose Party!

1912 Election, cont. Republicans have William Howard Taft, Democrats choose Woodrow Wilson Republicans have William Howard Taft, Democrats choose Woodrow Wilson Roosevelt (a Republican) is running on the same ticket under the new “Bull Moose” Roosevelt (a Republican) is running on the same ticket under the new “Bull Moose” There were more Republicans than Democrats in America, but… There were more Republicans than Democrats in America, but… Roosevelt and Taft split all of the Republican votes Roosevelt and Taft split all of the Republican votes Wilson gets more votes than either of those two, because they split all of the Republican votes! Wilson gets more votes than either of those two, because they split all of the Republican votes! WILSON WINS ELECTION! WILSON WINS ELECTION!