Progressive Presidents Flashcards
1
Q
Who was Theodore Roosevelt and what were his policies?
A
- president after McKinley’s assassination
- supported reforms to avoid revolution
- believed fed gov had role in economy and intervene when needed
2
Q
what were Roosevelt’s anti- trust measures?
A
- make Sherman Anti- Trust Act better
- against Northern Securities Company, controlled railroads and used as monoppoly to make profits
- 1904 company illegal and dissolved
- 44 anti trust prosecutions
3
Q
what were Roosevelt’s labour relations?
A
- expanded role of government to obtain justice and fair play
- popular among working classes
- told employers in 1902 coal strike to agree to arbitration or face troops –> raised wages and 9 hr working day
4
Q
what were Roosevelt’s conservation policies?
A
- realised natural resources not infinite
- 150 million acres forest planted
- restricted lumbering, grazing and mining
- 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act
5
Q
what were Roosevelt’s achievements?
A
- brought presidential office into arena of social and economic reform
- concern for underdog
6
Q
what were Roosevelt’s limitations?
A
- unable to persuade Congress to pass more
- growing divide in Rep. party between Cons. and Prog.
7
Q
who was Taft and what were his policies?
A
- criticised for lacking in energy and being unimaginative
- continued anti- trust policies- 80 policies
- 8hr day for gov. employees
- mine safety legislation
8
Q
what were Taft’s concerns with Presidential authority?
A
- respected Congress’ right to oppose ideas
- act within Constitution
9
Q
how was Taft limited by Roosevelt?
A
- R returned to act as opponent
- R left Republican party to form Progressive party 1912
- split + weakened Rep–> 1912 defeat
10
Q
who was Wilson and what were his policies?
A
- support from Progressives, House of Reps. and Senate Democrats
- reform with little opposition
- progressive policies = New Freedom
- reduce tariffs, reform banks, anti- trusts
11
Q
what did Wilson do for banking reform?
A
- Fed. Reserve Act 1913 maintained balance bb. and needs of community
- first central banking system
- enabled banks to control mone supply
12
Q
what were Wilson’s anti- trust measures?
A
- Fed. Trade Commission investigate and stop unfair–> federal regulation
- Clayton Anti- Trust Act increased power of Sherman
13
Q
what were Wilson’s Economic and Financial reform polices?
A
- first income tax - initially over $4000- major source of income
- reorganised depart. of Agri.
- Underwood Tariff 1913–> reduced many duties and freed some entirely
14
Q
what did Wilson do for social reform?
A
- Fed. Child Labour Act 1916- help 2 mill children in work + no education
- but… little support for trade unions
- Af. Ams. placed segregationists in charge and expanded it
15
Q
how Progressive was Wilson?
A
- introduced reforms in early years and continued anti- trust legislation
- but… 1914 onwards saw little change, did not fight segregation
