Overview
This lecture covers the rise of Progressivism at the federal level in the United States, focusing on the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson and their key reforms.
Theodore Roosevelt and the Progressive Presidency
- Roosevelt became president in 1901 after President McKinley's assassination.
- He was the first reform-minded or progressive president at the national level.
- Roosevelt established the Department of Commerce and Labor to investigate trusts (large business conglomerates).
- He earned the nickname "trust buster" by breaking up the Northern Securities Company in 1904.
- Roosevelt differentiated between "good" and "bad" trusts, aiming to break up only those harmful to the public.
- He used the "bully pulpit" (media and public speeches) to pressure companies and promote reform.
- In the 1902 coal strike, Roosevelt took a neutral stance instead of siding solely with business, a first for a president.
- Roosevelt called his progressive agenda the Square Deal, aiming for fairness for business, labor, and consumers.
Progressive Era Reforms Under Roosevelt
- The Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act (both 1906) improved consumer safety by regulating labeling and production; inspired by Upton Sinclair’s "The Jungle."
- Roosevelt promoted conservation by creating the U.S. Forestry Service and protecting 230 million acres of public land.
Taft's Presidency and Progressive Discontent
- William Howard Taft succeeded Roosevelt but was perceived as less progressive, despite breaking up more trusts.
- Taft angered progressives by raising tariffs and selling federal lands to private companies.
- Disillusioned progressives led Roosevelt to form the Progressive (Bull Moose) Party.
The Election of 1912 and Wilson's New Freedom
- The 1912 election split Republicans between Taft and Roosevelt, allowing Democrat Woodrow Wilson to win.
- Wilson’s "New Freedom" advocated progressive reform but with a smaller federal government.
- Roosevelt’s "New Nationalism" promoted strong federal intervention and regulation.
Wilson’s Progressive Reforms
- The Revenue Act (Underwood Tariff) lowered tariffs, favoring consumers.
- The 16th Amendment established a federal income tax to replace tariff revenue.
- The Federal Reserve Act created a central bank to manage the economy and reduce financial crises.
- The Clayton Antitrust Act strengthened laws against monopolies.
- Progressivism faded from the national spotlight as World War I became the main issue.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Trust — A group controlling multiple companies to monopolize an industry.
- Trust buster — Someone who breaks up monopolies or large corporate conglomerates.
- Square Deal — Roosevelt's policy for fairness among business, labor, and consumers.
- Muckraker — Investigative journalists exposing social issues (e.g., Upton Sinclair).
- Bull Moose Party — The nickname for Roosevelt’s Progressive Party in 1912.
- Tariff — A tax on imported goods, often benefiting businesses.
- Federal Reserve Act — Created a central banking system for the U.S.
- 16th Amendment — Allowed Congress to levy a federal income tax.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the differences between Roosevelt's, Taft's, and Wilson's approaches to Progressivism.
- Read about the impact of "The Jungle" and other muckraking works.
- Understand how the federal government’s economic reforms shifted revenue sources and regulation.