U3L4 The Progressive Presidents Flashcards
During the war against Spain, what did Roosevelt do?
Roosevelt led a unit of troops in some daring exploits. He returned home to a hero’s welcome and was elected governor of New York.
When did Roosevelt become president?
After President McKinley was shot in September 1901, Roosevelt, who was the Vice President, became President.
What was Roosevelt’s goal?
He was determined to end corruption and work for the public interest.
What did Roosevelt see as good trusts?
Good trusts, he said, were efficient and fair and should be let alone.
What did Roosevelt see as bad trusts?
Bad ones took advantage of workers and cheated the public.
What was Roosevelt’s view on big businesses?
He was not against big business. In fact, he believed business was a positive force and that giant corporations were here to stay.
Why did Roosevelt bring a lawsuit upon the Northern Securities Company?
Northern Securities was a trust that had been formed to control competition among railroads. Roosevelt argued that the company used unfair business practices in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.
What was happened because of the lawsuit against the Northern Securities Company?
At news of the lawsuit, stock prices fell on Wall Street, New York’s center of business and finance. While business leaders worried, many ordinary Americans cheered the President.
What happened to the Northern Securities Company? How was this a win for Progressives?
In 1904, the Supreme Court ruled that Northern Securities had violated the Sherman Antitrust Act. It ordered the trust to be broken up. The decision was a victory for Progressives. For the first time, the Sherman Antitrust Act had been used to break up trusts, not unions.
Why did Roosevelt file a lawsuit against Standard Oil and American Tobacco Company?
They blocked free trade
What did come business leaders call Roosevelt?
Trustbuster
Explain what Roosevelt did with the mine owners in 1902.
In 1902, Pennsylvania coal miners went on strike for better pay and a shorter workday. Mine owners refused to negotiate with the miners’ union.
As winter approached, schools and hospitals ran out of coal. Furious at the mine owners, Roosevelt threatened to send in troops to run the mines. Finally, owners sat down with the union and reached an agreement. Roosevelt was the first President to side with labor.
What was the square deal?
everyone from farmers and consumers to workers and owners should have the same opportunity to succeed
How did Roosevelt win the election?
He promised the square deal
What was the main target of the square deal?
Railroads
What did Roosevelt do to the ICC?
Roosevelt therefore urged Congress to outlaw rebates. In 1906, Congress gave the ICC the power to set railroad rates.
Why did Congress pass a law to allow inspectors to enter meatpacking industries?
Roosevelt sent more government inspectors to meatpacking houses. The owners refused to let them in.
Roosevelt then gave the newspapers copies of a government report that exposed conditions in meatpacking plants. The public was outraged. This forced Congress to pass a law in 1906 allowing more inspectors to enter meatpacking houses.