A Progressive Federal Government…

Progressive Politics Under Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson

THROUGH POLITICAL CARTOONS!

Progressivism Under TR• An “accidental” president

– Put into VP spot to “shut him up.”• 1901 becomes president after Will McKinley

dies.• Accomplishments – “Square Deal”

– 1902 = First to use Sherman Anti-trust Act to break up illegal trusts.

– 1903 = Established “Department of Labor” as cabinet position.

– 1903 = Elkins Act. • Empowered Interstate Commerce Commission to

act against RRs that were giving illegal rebates.– 1905 = Creates United States Forest Service to

manage the nation’s water and timber resources.– 1905 = TR sets aside 200 million acres of land for

national parks. (John Muir!)– 1906 = Hepburn Act

• Allows Interstate Commerce Commission enforcement powers.

– 1906 = Meat Inspection Act– 1906 = Pure Food and Drug Act

• Food and Drug Administration Created (FDA)

During his two terms in office, TR’s administration filed “anti-trust” legislation against 42 different companies…

Trust Busting!

Teddy Roosevelt

Video Clip Questions…

1. When TR entered office, what percentage of American businesses were owned by trusts?

2. What trusts did TR try to break up using the Sherman Anti-Trust Act?

3. What industry did the Interstate Commerce Commission regulate under TR’s administration?

4. Under the Pure Food and Drug Act, what could producers now NOT do?

5. How many acres of forest land did TR withdraw from public sale (turn into national parks) during his administration?

Progressives Lose Their Way…• William Taft is TR’s hand-

picked successor.– He wins easily in 1908.

• Taft angers Progressives by passing a protective tariff.– Why would a tariff anger many

progressives?• Hires Richard Ballinger,

admitted anti-conservationist, as head of the Dept. of the Interior.– Fires Gifford Pinchot– Angers TR

• When TR returns from Safari in 1910, he starts to campaign against Taft– “New Nationalism”

I’ll make you the next President!!!Traitor!!!

Election of 1912• Taft wins nomination of Republicans• TR breaks away, forms

“Progressive” Party– Later called “Bull-Moose Party”

• Platform: Reduce tariffs, women’s suffrage, business regulation, child labor ban, eight hour workday, direct election of senators

• Wilson is nominated by Democrats– Promises a “New Freedom”

• Platform: Many of the same reforms as TR, but easier on business.

TR Campaigns in 1912

What are the issues that TR campaigned upon?

Wilson Campaigns in 1912

What are the issues that Wilson campaigned upon?

Wilson Wins!!!

A Progressive Renaissance Under Wilson

• Wilson’s Policies: (New Freedom)– Underwood Tariff Act of 1913

• Cut average tariff from 40% to 25%

– Income Tax• To fund progressive gov’t programs

– Clayton Anti-trust Act• Clarified and strengthened Sherman

Anti-Trust Act– Stated the Unions were not trusts

• Created Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

– Organization to ensure business dealings are free and fair.

– Creates Federal Reserve• To supervise and regulate banks and

manage nation’s money supply.

Federal Reserve Districts

Wilson created the Federal Reserve System in 1913 to help regulate the banking industry.

Exit Ticket

• Answer the following question on a scrap piece of paper in a few sentences and return it on your way out the door today…

• We’ve now studied 3 Progressive presidents and countless other Progressive politicians…

• Pick a politician today that you would label as “Progressive.” Why would you label this person as so?