The Presidents of the Progressive Era TEDDY ROOSEVELT TAFT WILSON

PROGRESSIVE PRESIDENTS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyDBNZojE0k&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vffJL4SVMFg 4:19 overview of presidents (stop on roosevelt cartoon) 7:55 mins: Roosevelt, Taft, & Wilson *** SHOW THIS AFTER GO THROUGH THE NOTES

With Theodore Roosevelt’s succession to the presidency in September 1901, progressive goals were carried to the national level. Efforts to regulate concentrated corporate power – trust-busting Interest in environmental conservation

ROOSEVELT REVIVES THE PRESIDENCY During his 2nd term, Theodore Roosevelt’s reform program was known as the Square Deal. As a progressive & a Social Darwinist, he felt the gov. should try to balance the needs of all the groups in American society. He believed that the U.S. needed progressive reforms to remain an efficient society that could compete successfully with other nations. In favor of conservation of natural resources, control of corporations, & consumer protection

ROOSEVELT AS “TRUST BUSTER” Used Sherman Anti-Trust Act against large business monopolies/trusts that acted against the public interest Distinguished between good & bad trusts Ex: filed antitrust lawsuit against Northern Securities Company controlled by J.P. Morgan (major industrialist) Established principle that federal gov. could break up trusts & shifted from protecting big business to looking out for consumers

TEDDY BEAR & CONSERVATION The soft and cuddly teddy bear was named after the gruff and rugged Theodore (“Teddy”) Roosevelt. The idea for the toy stemmed from a hunting trip Roosevelt took to Mississippi in 1902. On the trip, the president refused to kill a defenseless bear cub  REMEMBER HUNTING TRIP/OUTDOORSY  LOVED NATURE & WANTED TO PROTECT/CONSERVE IT!  CONSERVATION & NATIONAL PARKS Formed National Conservation Commission & created new national parks . Cartoonist Clifford Berryman drew a whimsical reenactment of the scene for the Washington Post, which in turn inspired Morris Michtom, a toy shop owner in Brooklyn, to create the “teddy bear.” The toy became a runaway success in the U.S. and abroad.

President Taft continued with Roosevelt’s Progressive policies, but he did not live up to the expectations of many progressives. Roosevelt helped get Taft elected. Progressives were disappointed with Taft. Political differences with Roosevelt caused President Taft to lose Progressive support, even though he supported many Progressive policies.

TAFT BECOMES PRESIDENT Endorsed by Theodore Roosevelt (TR), the Republican candidate, William Howard Taft easily defeated the Democratic candidate, William Jennings Bryan, in the election of 1908. Taft, a skillful administrator and judge, had a slow approach to problem solving that led to conflicts with the progressives & TR. Taft, like many progressives, felt high tariffs limited competition, hurt consumers, & protected trusts.

“BULL MOOSE” PARTY In the Election of 1912 Teddy Roosevelt became unhappy with Taft’s policies and challenged him for the presidency by representing a third party, the Progressive Party aka Bull Moose Party. Campaigned for women’s suffrage, direct election of U.S. Senators, & an 8 hour workday. This Republican division led to Democrat Woodrow Wilson’s election 1st time since 1892 that a Democrat had been president!

Woodrow Wilson pursued a Progressive agenda after his 1912 election victory. Wilson worked for economic & social reforms. Woodrow Wilson’s reforms greatly increased the federal government’s role in regulating the nation’s economy.

WILSON’S NEW FREEDOM As governor of New Jersey, Wilson had made his state a model of Progressive reform. Wilson’s plan, the New Freedom, supported free enterprise & criticized Roosevelt for a program that Wilson felt supported monopolies. During Wilson’s 8 yrs as president, he issued reforms that lowered tariffs, changed the banking system by creating the Federal Reserve System, proposed the Clayton Antitrust Act, & fought for workers’ rights. (He also serves as president during WWI ).