Progressivism was a movement that emerged in the 1890s in response to the rapid industrialization of the United States. Industrialization caused considerable growth in the United States economy but wealth was spread unevenly and economic and social problems came about as a result. “Progressives wanted to bring reforms that would correct these problems and injustices” (Lapsanky-Werner 548). The Progressive presidents were Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson and they held office between 1901 and 1921. Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson believed that government needed to regulate the power of big businesses, many of which had become monopolistic. Monopolies often engaged in price setting and produced poor quality goods, unfairly
…show more content…
They each had a slightly different approach to achieving the same objective. President Roosevelt had the moto “speak softly and carry a big stick” (Lapansky-Werner 608) when it came to foreign relations. The objectives of Roosevelt’s policies were clear. He wanted to make the world safer and easier for the expansion of American business and American ideas. He was willing to use American military intervention if he had to. If America was exporting its goods then American wealth was increasing. Roosevelt facilitated the beginning of the construction of the Panama Canal, drastically reducing shipping times by providing a route between the North American and South American continents. Using interventionist foreign policy the US secured the rights to build the canal and U.S. sovereignty of surrounding land in 1904. Roosevelt made a corollary to the Monroe doctrine stating the U.S. would use military intervention if necessary to keep Latin America free from foreign, in particular European, powers. He was willing to use American troops if necessary to keep Latin American countries stable for trade with America. In contrast Taft promoted “Dollar Diplomacy,” which involved the US coordination of loans for infrastructure improvements abroad. He believed in using American dollars rather than “the big stick” (the military). Taft wanted to invest in foreign countries so …show more content…
He began a series of reforms where government took on the excessive power of large businesses and those reforms were continued by the succeeding Progressive presidents. His ideas were the most radical of his time. Neither Wilson nor Taft would address the need for a national social insurance program. As America slid into the Great Depression in the 1930s the absence of any national social insurance to protect individuals from lost employment would become a major issue. Social insurance was finally adopted as part of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal program. Theodore Roosevelt’s proposals did have a profound impact on future policy. Roosevelt is also considered one of the greatest American presidents in part because he courageously tackled difficult issues and without doubt because of his strong charismatic personality, hard work and his dedication to his ideas. To summarize in Roosevelt’s own words “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” Roosevelt is one the four Presidents represented in the Mount Rushmore carvings. He is idolized even in more recent popular American culture such as in the movie “Night at the Museum” where his famed robust character was brought to life by the late Robin
They each had a slightly different approach to achieving the same objective. President Roosevelt had the moto “speak softly and carry a big stick” (Lapansky-Werner 608) when it came to foreign relations. The objectives of Roosevelt’s policies were clear. He wanted to make the world safer and easier for the expansion of American business and American ideas. He was willing to use American military intervention if he had to. If America was exporting its goods then American wealth was increasing. Roosevelt facilitated the beginning of the construction of the Panama Canal, drastically reducing shipping times by providing a route between the North American and South American continents. Using interventionist foreign policy the US secured the rights to build the canal and U.S. sovereignty of surrounding land in 1904. Roosevelt made a corollary to the Monroe doctrine stating the U.S. would use military intervention if necessary to keep Latin America free from foreign, in particular European, powers. He was willing to use American troops if necessary to keep Latin American countries stable for trade with America. In contrast Taft promoted “Dollar Diplomacy,” which involved the US coordination of loans for infrastructure improvements abroad. He believed in using American dollars rather than “the big stick” (the military). Taft wanted to invest in foreign countries so …show more content…
He began a series of reforms where government took on the excessive power of large businesses and those reforms were continued by the succeeding Progressive presidents. His ideas were the most radical of his time. Neither Wilson nor Taft would address the need for a national social insurance program. As America slid into the Great Depression in the 1930s the absence of any national social insurance to protect individuals from lost employment would become a major issue. Social insurance was finally adopted as part of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal program. Theodore Roosevelt’s proposals did have a profound impact on future policy. Roosevelt is also considered one of the greatest American presidents in part because he courageously tackled difficult issues and without doubt because of his strong charismatic personality, hard work and his dedication to his ideas. To summarize in Roosevelt’s own words “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” Roosevelt is one the four Presidents represented in the Mount Rushmore carvings. He is idolized even in more recent popular American culture such as in the movie “Night at the Museum” where his famed robust character was brought to life by the late Robin