Progressive Movement and Key Presidential Reforms

  • Progressive Movement

    • Emerged after the Gilded Age, marked by government inaction (laissez-faire).
    • Aims for significant reforms to address issues stemming from the era.

  • Role of Government

    • Progressives believe government should actively intervene to correct social and economic problems.
    • There was debate in class on whether government is a problem or a solution.

  • Theodore Roosevelt (TR) and the Square Deal

    • Roosevelt is known for being a reformist who aimed to create fairness for all Americans (Square Deal).
    • TR’s personal tragedies (e.g., losing his wife and mother) shaped his character and presidency.
    • Known as a “trust buster,” he allowed monopolies to exist as long as they acted for the good of the public but actively broke up those that did not.

  • Trusts and Big Businesses

    • A “trust” refers to a large business or monopoly controlling an industry, e.g., Carnegie (steel), Rockefeller (oil).
    • Methods to control big businesses:
    • Socialism: Extreme method where the government takes over all businesses.
    • Prosecution: Legal action against monopolistic behaviors.
    • Regulation: Establishing watchdog agencies to monitor corporate actions (keeping workers safe, environmental concerns).
    • Taxation: Increasing taxes on large, unethical businesses.
    • Shift from hands-off (laissez-faire) to a regulatory approach.

  • Government Intervention

    • Case study: 1902 coal strike; Roosevelt intervened for fair negotiation instead of using military force to crush the strike.
    • First instance where a president sided with workers over management.

  • Conservation Efforts

    • TR promoted conservation of natural resources and management rather than blind preservation (e.g., setting aside lands for parks and forests).

  • Consumer Protection

    • Based on issues raised by Upton Sinclair’s "The Jungle" about the meat-packing industry, prompting Roosevelt to push for regulations (Pure Food and Drug Act).
    • Emphasis on quality and safety of food and medical products.

  • Election of 1912

    • Split Republican vote between Taft and Roosevelt allowed Woodrow Wilson (Democrat) to win the presidency.
    • The Progressive Party, also known as the Bull Moose Party, was formed by Roosevelt in response to the Republican nomination process.

  • Woodrow Wilson's Presidency and Reforms

    • Wilson continued progressive reforms with the direct election of senators (17th Amendment) and the establishment of the Federal Reserve System for banking reform.
    • Focus on managing the money supply and interest rates to control the economy.