The Progressive Presidents

Theodore Roosevelt O Republican O Very energetic leader O Used his personality to get what he wanted O Loved the presidency O Believed an individual could have a big impact

Theodore Roosevelt O Domestic Policies O Square Deal O If the common people of society were being victimized by the 6 forces shaping 20 th cent America, TR would see to it that they received a “square deal” O Term used to describe the various progressive reforms sponsored by TR O Progressive Reforms O Trust regulation O Better labor relations / working conditions O Conservation of land O 1906 Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act

William Howard Taft O Republican O More conservative O Pushed into the presidency O Did not like it or the spotlight O Was not a natural politician O Law background O Years after his presidency, he became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court O Only president to serve in these two roles O Proved to be a weak leader who, despite efforts to keep Progressive reforms alive, was overshadowed by TR

The 1912 Election O Prior to the election O Roosevelt becomes increasingly irritated with Taft’s policies as President O The once best friends became bitter rivals O The Republican party becomes fragmented O One side = Progressives (Bull Moose Party) O Other side = Conservatives O Election Candidates O William H. Taft – Republican O Theodore Roosevelt – Progressive O Woodrow Wilson – Democrat O Eugene Debs - Socialist

1912 Election And the winner is… Woodrow Wilson!

Woodrow Wilson O Democrat O Academic O 1 st president to ever hold a Ph.D O Public viewed him as cold O But, was a great public speaker O Proponent of domestic affairs O However, his second term mostly dealt with foreign affairs

Woodrow Wilson O Domestic Policies O Tariff reduction O Trust busting O Federal Income Tax O Lower tariff rates cause the government to look elsewhere for revenue O Provided revenue by taxing individual earnings and corporate profit O Federal Reserve O Helped to establish control over banking and regulate US currency