the progressive presidents 1901-1921 what does it mean to be progressive? how truly progressive were...
TRANSCRIPT
The Progressive Presidents
1901-1921
What does it mean to be progressive?
How truly progressive were these presidents?
T.R.’s Efforts to Reform
•Based on Belief in “ Square Deal”
•1st 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
•Set aside 150 millions acres as forest preserve
•Newlands Reclamation Act: paid for making damaged land productive.
•Created National Conservation Commission
T.R’s PROBLEMS
Very popular, no opposition in 1904 for reelection.
Critics said conservation efforts too costly.
Great White Fleet represented imperialism.
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 16th Amendment
•Income tax based on individual income: now fund government programs in a fair manner.
Taft’s Additional ReformsCreated the
Department of LaborAdded 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)
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
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.