Roosevelt, Taft And Wilson: Progressive Presidents

Roosevelt, Taft and Wilson were all viewed in the public eye as trust busters. This was the first group of presidents who believed that the federal government should play a role in protecting consumers and workers from big business. These three were progressive presidents implemented reform and new ideas such as government intervention and conservation methods. However, their policies and approaches to achieve tor work towards these goals differed. Roosevelt believed that as the president it was his duty to take any actions necessary to benefit everyone long as the constitution did not forbid it. He introduced his idea the “Square Deal” to all people in which was the belief that everyone should have the equal opportunity to succeed. He
Roosevelt put forth legislation such as the Hepburn Act which gave the Interstate Commerce Commission more power to keep in check and regulate the growing power of railroads. Roosevelt also implemented the Pure Food and Drug Act as well as the Meat Inspection Act. This put the public’s mind at ease knowing that the federal government was implementing consumer protection laws. During a speech he called for New Nationalism which he argued that the government human welfare was more important than property rights. He stated that only a strong federal government would be able to regulate our economy and ensure justice for all Americans. He made it his personal mission to protect the citizens of the United States from being abused by big business practices. He demonstrated this when he negotiated an end to the 1902 coal strike threatening to take over the coal mines because it threatened public welfare. With that threat he secured better conditions for the coal miners and set the tone for his presidency. Another important move Roosevelt made was the preservation of this countries natural resources by implementing a national park system. He did this because he