Overview of Progressivism

  • Focus on notable "great men" in history, particularly U.S. presidents.

Rise of National Government

  • National governments grew from the 19th century; corporations became national/international.

  • The rise of strong national government was seen as a remedy against local and corporate control.

Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909)

  • Youngest U.S. president post McKinley's assassination.

  • Implemented the Square Deal, focusing on regulating corporations and the economy.

  • Used the Sherman Act to break up monopolies such as the Northern Securities Company.

  • Supported conservation of natural resources.

    • Established many national parks under Gifford Pinchot.

William Howard Taft (1909-1913)

  • Progressive but more conservative than Roosevelt; emphasized trust-busting and tax reforms.

  • Supported the 16th Amendment, leading to income tax and paving the way for Prohibition.

  • Fired Pinchot, angering Roosevelt, leading to a division in the Republican Party.

1912 Election

  • Featured four candidates: Taft, Roosevelt (Bull Moose Party), Debs (Socialist), and Wilson (Democrat).

  • Resulted in a split Republican vote, leading Wilson to win presidency with 42% of the vote.

Wilson's Policies

  • Introduced the New Freedom program emphasizing market competition and anti-trust laws.

  • Implemented the Underwood Tariff and graduated income tax.

  • Advocated for labor laws and supported the Clayton Act for unions.

Expansion of Federal Power

  • Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson significantly increased federal government power domestically and abroad.

  • U.S. engaged in interventions in Caribbean countries to promote American business interests.

Foreign Policy Approaches

  • Roosevelt: "Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick"; notable interventions included Panama Canal construction.

  • Taft: Focused on Dollar Diplomacy over military intervention.

  • Wilson: Active interventions in Latin America aimed at spreading American democracy; notably in Mexico.

Conclusion

  • These presidents marked the shift toward modern executive influence and governmental expansion, intertwining domestic policy with international interests.