Island of Vice, written by Richard Zacks, was an intriguing book about a little known aspect of Theodore Roosevelt’s political career. The majority of people will recognize Theodore Roosevelt for his two terms as President of the United States, however most people hardly know about his two years as police commissioner in New York. A reformer from the start, Roosevelt worked to change the moral fabric of New York City, an undertaking which was closely researched and retold in Island of Vice. Cracking down on police and government corruption, sunday drinking, and homeless begging, Theodore Roosevelt angered many people and isolated himself from political support, both Republican and Democrat. Roosevelt forced the New York Police Department through
…show more content…
Roosevelt is known as a “Trust Buster” for his work in limiting the power of big businesses. His Square Deal protected organized laborers, who for much of the history leading up to Roosevelt's presidency were viewed very negatively. He advocated for mutual arbitration between strikers and corporations, for example during the Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902. Roosevelt stepped in himself to stop the Anthracite Coal Strike, which lead to a pay raise for the mine workers while simultaneously raising the price of coal to satisfy the owners of the mine. Roosevelt’s reforming mentality clearly was maintained as became President. Roosevelt used the observations made by muckrakers to direct policy or actions both as police commissioner and as President. As mentioned earlier, Jacob Riis often lead Roosevelt on his midnight excursions to direct him to areas that could use help. Upton Sinclair’s book The Jungle exposed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, and as a result Roosevelt directed a national investigation. As shown in the Neils-Reynolds report, the majority of the tales in The Jungle were true and national legislation was passed to protect the safety of consumers. Roosevelt was the first President of the Progressive Era, however his progressive ideals were clearly exhibited in Island of Vice, years before his time as
Roosevelt is known as a “Trust Buster” for his work in limiting the power of big businesses. His Square Deal protected organized laborers, who for much of the history leading up to Roosevelt's presidency were viewed very negatively. He advocated for mutual arbitration between strikers and corporations, for example during the Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902. Roosevelt stepped in himself to stop the Anthracite Coal Strike, which lead to a pay raise for the mine workers while simultaneously raising the price of coal to satisfy the owners of the mine. Roosevelt’s reforming mentality clearly was maintained as became President. Roosevelt used the observations made by muckrakers to direct policy or actions both as police commissioner and as President. As mentioned earlier, Jacob Riis often lead Roosevelt on his midnight excursions to direct him to areas that could use help. Upton Sinclair’s book The Jungle exposed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, and as a result Roosevelt directed a national investigation. As shown in the Neils-Reynolds report, the majority of the tales in The Jungle were true and national legislation was passed to protect the safety of consumers. Roosevelt was the first President of the Progressive Era, however his progressive ideals were clearly exhibited in Island of Vice, years before his time as