september 26 Key Aspects of Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson Administrations

Teddy Roosevelt's Administration

  • Trust-Busting Initiatives
    • Established reputation as a "trust buster".
    • Anti-trust suit against Northern Securities in 1902 led to Supreme Court decision (5-4) for dissolution.
    • Initiated 40 anti-trust suits.
  • Settlement of Anthracite Coal Strike (1902)
    • U.S. mine workers struck for recognition, shorter hours, higher wages.
    • Roosevelt intervened; mine owners accepted arbitration after threats to seize mines.
    • Outcome: Pay increase, shorter hours, no union recognition.
    • Precedent for expanded presidential powers.
  • Conservation Efforts
    • Increased national reserves of forests, coal lands, water sites.
    • Advocated for New Lands Act (1902) for irrigation funding.
    • Convened governor's conference in 1908 to spur conservation.
  • Consumer and Rail Road Protection
    • Urged legislation for consumer and rail user protection.

Foreign Affairs under Teddy Roosevelt

  • Viewed U.S. as a major power.
  • "Speak softly and carry a big stick" policy.
  • Key events:
    • Aided Panama's revolt (1903), gained control over Panama Canal Zone.
    • Roosevelt Corollary to Monroe Doctrine (1904): U.S. as "international policeman" in the Americas.
    • Mediated Russo-Japanese War (1905) led to Nobel Peace Prize (1906).
    • Gentlemen's Agreement (1907) to limit Japanese labor immigration.

William Howard Taft's Administration

  • Background & Election
    • Succeeded Roosevelt (1909-1913), nominated with Roosevelt’s support.
    • Lacked charisma and political adeptness; faced struggles with Congress.
  • Progressives vs. Conservatives
    • Faced opposition from progressives, especially over tariff issues (Paine-Aldrich Tariff maintained high imports).
    • Disputed conservation policies, favoring Richard Ballinger over Gifford Pinchot.
    • Heightened divisions in the Republican Party.
  • Achievements
    • Implemented more anti-trust suits than Roosevelt.
    • Oversaw 16th and 17th Amendments: national income tax and direct election of senators.
    • Mann-Elkins Act (1910): Expanded ICC’s regulatory power.

Woodrow Wilson's Administration

  • Election & Background
    • Known as "New Freedom," elected in 1912 amidst Republican split.
  • Legislative Achievements
    • Underwood Tariff Act (1913), Federal Reserve Act (1913), Federal Trade Commission (1914).
    • Adamson Act for railroad workers and improvements in labor conditions.
  • Foreign Affairs
    • Adopted policy of watchful waiting in Mexico; intervened militarily.
    • U.S. entered WWI in 1917 following German provocations.
    • Proposed 14 points for post-war agreement and Treaty of Versailles.
  • Decline of Progressive Era
    • Progressive focus waned post-WWI.
    • Ended with 18th Amendment (prohibition) and 19th Amendment (women’s suffrage).
    • Rise of the Red Scare and anti-labor sentiment.