Theodore Roosevelt and Progressivism Progressive Era Theodore Roosevelt and Progressivism

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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