Download presentation
1
The Progressive Presidents
Section 2
2
Teddy Roosevelt BACKGROUND Childhood: Adulthood: Wealthy NY family
Asthma, sickness Adulthood: Moved up in gov’t and politics
3
T.R. and Business Not against big business
There are “good” and “bad” trusts Gov’t must break up “bad” trusts Reputation = TRUSTBUSTER Ex: Northern Securities Trust T. R.: unfair business practices Supreme Court: violates Sherman Antitrust Act Landmark: 1st time Act used against business, not labor
4
T.R. and Labor Stood up for workers
Example: Pennsylvania Coal Miners strike Owners won’t negotiate with union T.R. threatened to send troops Owners and union reach agreement 1st Pres. To side with strikers
5
T.R. and Environment Goal: Problem: T.R.: Use natural resources wisely
Protect nation’s wilderness Problem: industries using lumber, iron, coal T.R.: Use natural resources wisely Solutions: Conservation U.S. Forest Service National parks
6
T.R. and Consumers Goal: Problem: Solutions: Protect Consumers
Food and drug production and labeling Solutions: Meatpacking plant inspections Pure Food and Drug Act
7
William Howard Taft BACKGROUND T.R.’s secretary of war
Backed by T.R. for president Quiet, cautious, careful of power
8
Taft Supports Progressives
Broke up trusts Favored graduated income tax Approved mine safety rules Signed 8-hour workday laws Created office to control child labor
9
Taft Loses Progressive Support
Rose tariffs Which raise prices for consumers Modified conservation policies
10
Woodrow Wilson BACKGROUND Princeton U. Pres. N.J. Governor
Brilliant, cautious, honest, idealistic
11
Wilson’s New Freedom Goal: Restore free enterprise Solution:
Federal Trade Commission Keep companies from destroying competition Clayton Antitrust Act Banned practices that limited competition Federal Reserve Act Set up federal banks Gov’t can raise or lower interest rates
12
Becoming President Theodore Roosevelt (R) McKinley’s VP
Pres after assassination Re-elected Pres. 1904 Square Deal
13
Becoming President William Howard Taft (R) T.R. = Secretary of War
Picked by T.R. to run Wins pres. 1908
14
Becoming President Woodrow Wilson (D) T.R. = Progressive Party
Taft = Republican Party Taft and T.R. split votes Wilson wins Pres. 1912 New Freedom
15
Objectives
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.