The Progressive Presidents What does it mean to be progressive? How truly progressive were these presidents?

PRESIDENT Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt (became president after President McKinley was shot)

YEARS IN OFFICE

Governor of New York Rancher in Dakota Harvard Graduate Cavalry (Rough Riders) Background

POLITICAL PARTY Republican  Progressive

T.R.’s Efforts to Reform Based on Belief in “ Square Deal” 1 st time government intervened in a strike to protect workers and public Expanded the role of government by trustbusting 44 trusts.

T.R’s Additional Reforms Helped Enact “Food & Drug Act” Helped Enact “Meat Inspection Act”

T.R’s Additional Reforms Set aside 150 millions acres as forest preserve Newlands Reclamation Act: paid for making damaged land productive. Created National Conservation Commission

Cruise of the Great White Fleet

T.R’s PROBLEMS Very popular, no opposition in 1904 for reelection. Critics said conservation efforts too costly. Great White Fleet represented imperialism.

PRESIDENT William H. Taft

YEARS IN OFFICE Secretary of War for Teddy Roosevelt

Taft was from which party? (Look at the poster for clue)

Background Accepted Nomination in Cincinnati (now the Taft Museum of Art) Back was so round…. Taft needed a custom tub!

Taft’s Efforts to Reform Filed 90 suits against trusts. Helped adopt the 16 th Amendment Income tax based on individual income: now fund government programs in a fair manner.

Taft’s Additional Reforms Created the Department of Labor Added vast area’s to nation’s forest preserves

PROBLEMS Former judge. Did not want presidency. Progressives did not like his support for lowering tariffs & firing US Forestry Service head & not helping dispute in Congressional Rules Committee  Lost Teddy Roosevelt’s support (TR ran against Taft, but Wilson won)

PRESIDENT Woodrow Wilson

YEARS IN OFFICE Governor of New Jersey

Background Governor of New Jersey Dean of Princeton University

POLITICAL PARTY Democrat

Wilson’s Efforts to Reform Based on Belief in “ New Freedom” Wanted a return to small business, where the “little guy” was free from control of big business and government. Passed Clayton Anti-Trust Act Corporations could not undersell, or buy stock to be monopoly

Wilson’s Additional Reforms Established the Federal Trade Commission Federal Reserve Act

PROBLEMS Could not get child labor laws passed. Did not support suffrage for women in his campaign for reelection. Blacks’ rights unprotected. Prohibition difficult to enforce.