Actions on : CONSERVATION Set up the National Parks Service Removed 1 million acres of forest land from reserved list to allow for development Accused of letting commercial interests exploit natural resources His Sec. of the Interior Ballinger opened public lands in Alaska for private development Antiquities Act of June 8, 1906 – allows President to proclaim historic landmark status to preserve areas, monuments, etc. Made conservation a primary concern for federal government

Controversy concerning environmental programs Conservation – to use and manage the nation’s resources WISELY Gifford Pinchot Preservation – to leave the resources in the natural state; let nature take its course John Muir (founder of the Sierra Club )

Actions on: Labor In response to The Jungle, set up commission to investigate meatpacking industry Pushed for the passage of the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act Keating Owen Act – child labor laws Safety Standards for maritime workers 8 hour day for Interstate railroad workers Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act; ultimately raised the tariff

Actions on: Discrimination Women gained the right to vote with the passage of the 19 th amendment Retreated on Civil Rights – Opposed federal anti- lynching laws – Segregated federal offices and Capitol Did little to advance Civil Rights and equality Established idea that Federal Government is responsible for “well-being” of the nation Failed to support Civil Rights reforms Did appoint African Americans to federal offices Invited Booker T. Washington to the White House for dinner

Actions on: Trusts More conservative approach to reform, BUT… Actually broke up more trusts than TR did Promised a “New Freedom” which would limit big business and big government, bring reform by ending corruption and revive competition by supporting small business Promised a “New Nationalism” and “Square Deal” for Americans with more government regulation of business & unions