Progressive Era (20 th Century)

1. Progressive Era(20th Century)

2. Progressive Presidents (20th Cent.) • Teddy Roosevelt 1901 – 1908 Republican • William H. Taft 1908 – 1912 Republican • Woodrow Wilson 1912 – 1920 Democrat

3. Teddy Roosevelt • Early Politics • 1. Assistant Secretary of the Navy • 2. Lt. Colonel in Army – Head of the “Rough Riders” • Known for heroics during the Spanish-American War • 3. Elected Governor of New York • 4. 1900 VP for William McKinley • Republicans happy with decision! Roosevelt known to dislike political bosses and corruption

4. McKinley Assassinated 1. Sept. 1901 – shot by Leon Czolgszwho was considered an “anarchist” 2. McKinley died 8 days later and TR became President 3. Ironic Twist of Fate! “Government now becomes stronger instead of weaker” - TR a hands on President

5. Roosevelt’s Views • 1. Strong leadership “bully pulpit” • Definition- a platform to show strong leadership • 2. “Square Deal” • Assure honesty and fairness in both govt. and business • Give greater economic opportunities for individuals • 3. Election of 1904 • Defeats Judge Alton B. Parker

6. TR - Domestic • 1. Fights against monopolies – earns the nickname “trust buster” • Northern Securities holding company • 2. Settles Anthracite Coal Strike – threatens both sides – “arbitration” wins out • Third party settling a case • 3. Conserving Natural Resources • National Parks, water conservation, etc. • 4. Pure Food and Drug Act / Meat Inspection Act • Inspired by Upton Sinclair

7. TR – Foreign Policy • 1. “Speak softly and carry a big stick” • 2. Revolt in Panama (1903) • From unfairness regarding Panama Canal • 3. Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine • Said U.S. did not want to intervene • 4. Settlement of the Russo-Japanese War • Concessions of land to both territories

8. TR – Steps Down • 1. After victory in 1904 – vows not to run again • 2. Hand Picks William H. Taft as successor • 3. Taft defeats William Jennings Bryan - easily

9. William H. Taft 1908-1912 • 1. Pledge to carry on progressive ideas • 2. Angered “Old Guard” republicans – the conservative side of the party • 3. Key issue –tariffs-(tax on foreign goods imported into a country) • Old guard favor high tariffs • Progressives favor tariff reduction • 4. Ballinger – Pinchot Affair • Black eye for Taft

10. Ballinger – Pinchot Affair(Issue) Management of Public Lands • Gifford Pinchot – Head of Forest Service – appointed by TR • Richard Ballinger – Sect. of the Interior appointed by Taft – angered conservationists • 1909 – Ballinger allowed private group of businesspeople to obtain millions of acres of Alaskan land containing rich coal deposits • Pinchot – blows the whistle on Ballinger to a committee in congress

11. Pinchot fired by Taft • Ballinger never found guilty – but resigns • Pinchot a hero to progressives and conservationists • Taft popularity continues to slump

12. Taft – Foreign Policy • 1. Protect American investments in Latin America • 2. Marines sent to Nicaragua protect interest • 3. Taft policies known by “Dollar diplomacy”

13. Mid-Term Elections • Occurs Halfway into Presidential term • Congressional elections (H of R) and (Sen.) • TR returns – unhappy with Taft policies • “New Nationalism” TR platform • 5. Conflict coming in 1912 election

14. Election of 1912 • 1. Republican party convention • Taft vs TR • Taft wins handily • TR becomes candidate of progressives (Bull Moose Party) • 2. Democrats select – Woodrow Wilson • 3. Socialist candidate – Eugene Debs

15. Election of 1912 - Results (Republican) William Taft 23.2% (Progressive) Teddy Roosevelt 27.4% (Democrat) Woodrow Wilson 41.8% (Socialist) Eugene Debs 6.0% Why Did Wilson Win?