Chapter 15, Section 2 The Progressive Presidents p. 523-527 Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson back Progressive reforms.
The 1st Progressive President Main Idea: Theodore Roosevelt “TR” is the first President to support limits on the power of business. Wealthy war hero & youngest President ever (42) Known as the “trustbuster”! a person that works to destroy the power of monopolies & trusts Government should regulate “good” trusts and destroy “bad” trusts. Sues JP Morgan & Northern Securities Co. for unfair business practices. Uses Sherman Antitrust Act to break up their monopoly in railroads. 1902 – TR becomes 1st President to side with strikers during the Pennsylvania coal strike. Threatens to nationalize mining companies that refuse to negotiate with labor unions. President #26: Theodore Roosevelt
Roosevelt investigates the Meat Packing Industry. The Square Deal Main Idea: Roosevelt’s program of Progressive reform includes measures to conserve natural resources and protect consumers. TR promises America a ‘square deal’ if elected in 1904. - Equal opportunity for all Proposes conservation with the Antiquities Act protection of natural resources Land is set aside for national parks a natural area protected & managed by the federal government (Yosemite, Yellowstone,...) Signs Pure Food & Drug Act: protecting U.S. consumers 1906 - Requires food & drug manufacturers to list all ingredients on the package. Roosevelt investigates the Meat Packing Industry.
Main Idea: Roosevelt’s successors also promote reforms. William Howard Taft Main Idea: Roosevelt’s successors also promote reforms. Doesn’t really want to be president… His wife wants to be 1st Lady! Supports some Progressive reforms (breaks up more trusts) Favors income tax, safety rules for mines, and the 8-hour work day. Disagrees with TR over some progressive reforms Election of 1912: TR runs for the Progressive (Bull-Moose) Party TR splits Republican vote, allows Woodrow Wilson & Democrats to win the White House. #27 - William Howard Taft TR’s hand- picked successor
the Reluctant Progressive Woodrow Wilson Brilliant Scholar, but cautious reformer. Rigid & uncompromising Establishes Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 1914 To investigate companies for unfair business practices Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 Bans business practices that limit competition Federal Reserve Act of 1913 System of federal banks that gives the government power over interest rates & control of the money supply (the FED) #28 - Woodrow Wilson the Reluctant Progressive