Presidents of the Progressive Era

Introduction 

Towards the start of the 20th century, America had plenty opportunities but was prevented by vital external and internal problems. The country thus needed leaders who could govern it in a new direction ( Goldfield et al. , 2001) . The political climate was ready for reform and the Progressive Presidents’ Era begun with Presidents Theodore Roosevelt then William Taft and later Woodrow Wilson. Their administration which began in the 1890s up to 1920s led to a deep change in the political and social climate. They eradicated problems caused by urbanization, corruption, immigration and industrialization in the government. 

Accomplishments 

President Theodore Roosevelt who ruled between 1901 up to 1909 was known as a champion of the environment, consumers, trust-buster and among other reforms. He was also for the Labeling and Meat Inspection Act. His progressive strategy increase when he decided to run for the presidency a second time in 1912 as an independent candidate ( Goldfield et al. , 2001) . On the other hand, William Taft who governed between 1909 up to 1913 was a select inheritor of Roosevelt. Even though Taft was a successor of Roosevelt, he was slightly disappointed with Roosevelt. In addition, Taft was completely different from Roosevelt since he needed low tariffs and this led to the Payne-Aldrich tariff. Both of them later broke up, and Roosevelt ran for the presidency against Taft in 1912. This led to the splitting of the Republican Party thereby making Woodrow Wilson emerge victoriously. Wilson led the country between 1913 up to 1921, and he was Progressive and Democrat. In contrast to Roosevelt, Wilson didn’t practice the concept of bad and good trusts however he wanted to control businesses more comprehensively. According to Goldfield et al. , (2001) Wilson aided in the formation of the Federal Reserve Board as well as instigating the Anti-Trust Act of Clayton. The administration of Wilson intervened greatly in controlling the economy during the World War I. Unlike Roosevelt; he just lacked interest in the suffrage of women. He also reinforced the idea of segregating the African-Americans who were working for the Federal Government. 

Roosevelt introduced a ‘Square Deal’ strategy which was considered to be a fair treatment not only to a single race but also to everyone ( Goldfield et al. , 2001) . His administration ended finished the Laissez Faire and also numerous Acts were proposed such as Elkins and Sherman which prohibited the shippers and railroads from offering rebates. Similarly, Woodrow established the Federal Trade Commissions which ended illegal businesses activities through issuing various orders. He also amended certain acts like those which enabled women to vote. In addition, Taft broke up a big business which controlled the economy very much. Unlike Roosevelt, Taft didn’t attack business although he established anti-trust. Generally, all the presidents promoted peace within the country. However, Roosevelt was considered a Republican and the most progressive during that period because he introduced square deal during his administration. Roosevelt did a lot of work as compared to the other presidents. Taft was against his own party whereas Wilson encouraged peace and later went to war thus Roosevelt appeared to be the very progressive. 

Conclusion 

The Progressive movement generated new ideas and new methods of thinking about government and business however it was not completely successful. It brought about a new school of thought which confronted traditional ideas and made numerous fresh politicians lead the country on a new path ( Goldfield et al. , 2001) . The new school of thought was important for the United States because the First World War was about to happen. 

Reference 

Goldfield, David, et al. (2001). The American Journey: A History of the United States . Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.