1. Progressivism Under Taft
How does Taft anger progressives?

2. Taft Becomes President
1908: T. Roosevelt does not run for a 3rd term
TR picks his Sec. of War, William H. Taft, to run for Republicans, Taft beats Democrat William Jennings Bryan
When Taft takes office, he takes a cautious approach and consolidates many of TR’s programs instead of expanding them
Despite busting over 90 trusts, Taft gained little credit

3. Taft Stumbles
Taft promised to lower tariffs during election but as President signed Payne-Aldrich tariff, which slightly increased rates
Taft appoints Richard Ballinger as Sec. of Interior, removes 1 million acres of land from the reserved/conservation list
Progressives labeled Taft as a traitor
Taft had difficulties convincing American public that his policies were right
Taft started facing problems within his own party

4. Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy
US banks loan Latin Am. nations money to pay off prior debts, US banks gain the country’s tariff money & other assets
Nicaraguan, govt can’t pay US loans back, President Adolfo Diaz gives US banks control of Nicaragua’s RR & nat’l bank
Nicaraguan people protest, try to overthrow Diaz
Taft sends in 2000 marines to keep Diaz in power
Overall, Republicans and most Americans upset at Taft