The Square Deal: The Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt

A comprehensive vocabulary review set detailing Theodore Roosevelt's early life, political ascension, Progressive reforms, trust-busting efforts, consumer protections, and environmental conservation initiatives.

Rough Riders

A volunteer group formed by Theodore Roosevelt after stepping down as Assistant Secretary of the Navy that fought in Cuba during the Spanish-American War.

Leon Czolgosz

An anarchist who assassinated President William McKinley while shaking hands at the Pan-American Expo in New York.

Bully Pulpit

Theodore Roosevelt's nickname for the presidency, reflecting his belief that the president could use his position to influence anyone, direct the media, and shape legislation.

The Square Deal

A policy conceived by Theodore Roosevelt to create an even playing field for businesses and keep the wealthy from taking advantage of small business owners and the poor.

Direct Primary

A Progressive reform first established in Wisconsin that allows citizens to select nominees for their political party.

Initiative

A Progressive reform that gave citizens the power to place a new law onto state ballots.

Referendum

A Progressive reform allowing citizens to approve or reject laws passed by the legislature.

Recall

A Progressive reform giving Americans the power to remove public officials before their term ended if enough signatures were collected.

Seventeenth Amendment

A constitutional amendment that provided citizens with direct voting for senators.

Sherman Antitrust Act

A previously passed law used by Theodore Roosevelt to launch 44 anti-trust lawsuits against monopolies during the Gilded Age.

Northern Securities Company

The largest railroad company monopoly of its day, which was successfully broken up by Theodore Roosevelt's crusade against unfair business practices.

Coal Strike of 1902

A strike in Pennsylvania where 140,00 coal miners demanded unionization, higher pay, and a 9-hour workday, resulting in White House arbitration called by Theodore Roosevelt.

Pure Food and Drug Act

A 1906 law that established an administration to mandate truthful labeling, stop businesses from making absurd product promises, and require expiration dates on canned foods.

John Sinclair

Author who wrote about the revolting conditions in U.S. meat packing factories, prompting Theodore Roosevelt to push for government reform of the industry.

Meat Inspection Act

Legislation initiated by Theodore Roosevelt that established a federal mandate for meat handling, packing, and safety.

John Muir

A conservationist and outdoorsman who met with Theodore Roosevelt to work on establishing protected federal land across the United States.