Theodore Roosevelt's Influence On Progressivism

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Theodore Roosevelt knew progressivism and progressives heavily influenced him throughout his administration as far as the policies he put forth. However, he was said to not be progressive enough for many social justice progressives. In attaining office, one of the first initiatives Roosevelt took was “attempting to control the large industrial corporations…” (Nash 633). Progressivism drove Roosevelt to engage in promoting these ideas. Conversely, in dealing with the seemingly failed Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890, he did not enforce the plea for regulation in controlling trusts by the progressives stating, “’We draw the line against misconduct, not against wealth…’” (Nash 633). Yet, he did make a stride towards increasing the power of the …show more content…

Wilson, in the 1912 presidential campaign, emphasized the idea of New Freedom. He emphasized the ideas of “limited government with open competition…[and]...argued against too much federal power…” (Nash 639). Wilson’s began his term with New Freedom and its progressive ideologies in mind. He first introduced tariff reform. The Underwood Tariff Act of 1913 “imposed a modest rate of 1 percent on income over $4,000…” that was not used as means to redistribute wealth, but, instead, was used to “replace the money lost from lowering the tariff…” (Nash 641). Wilson also founded the FTC, which was established under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The FTC was “powerful enough to move directly against corporations accused of restricting competition…” but did not end monopoly (Nash 642). These acts were mainly promoted by progressivism in its ideologies because they provided regulation of businesses and the spreading of some forms of social justice. Although there were some progressive based opportunities, both Wilson and Roosevelt did not engage heavily in, such as equal opportunity, women’s suffrage movement, NAACP,

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