1. The Progressive Presidents

2. I. Teddy Roosevelt and the Square Deal
TR’s approach to social problems
Believed all people have an equal opportunity to succeed through strong personal ethics, a sense of squareness, and adherence to the law
The “Trustbuster”
Wanted to regulate business and end trusts
Sought out only those trusts that damaged the public or broke the law

3. Labor Disputes and Corporate Regulation
Coal Strike of 1902
One of the most prolonged strikes in history
Union called for higher wages and shorter hours
TR threatened military use to keep mines open; owners backed down; TR credited with ending the strike
Hepburn Act of 1906
Strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission
Abolished “free pass” to friends
Widened commissions jurisdiction and power to fix rates

4. II. William H. Taft Sought to carry on TR’s progressive reforms
Payne-Aldrich Tariff
Attempted to reduce tariff; protected industries and kept consumer prices high
Prosecuted more “trust” cases than TR
Passed 16th Amendment: income taxes; and 17th Amendment: direct election of senators

5. III. Woodrow Wilson and New Freedom
Election of 1912
Taft (Republican)
Roosevelt (Bull Moose Party/Progressive party)
Wilson (Democrat)

6. Wilson’s New Freedom Monopolies needed to broken apart
Enhance government authority to protect consumers
Underwood Tariff
Reduced tariff
16th Amendment used to make up lost revenue
Clayton Anti-Trust Act (1913)
Limited companies from buying other companies to create a monopoly
Federal Reserve Act (1913)
12 Federal Banks
Issued new currency “federal reserve note”

7. IV. Progressivism in Retrospect
Problems of Progressive Reform
Contradictory goals
Opposition to progressivism-courts strike down legislation
Failed to redistribute power
Accomplishments of Progressivism
Trust-busting forced industrialist to notice public opinion
Legislation gave government tools to protect consumers
Income tax helped build government and redistribute wealth
Challenged old ways of thinking