Progressive era relates to the period where the United States experienced social activism and political reform. Progressivism emerged as a movement that advocated for various reforms and shared ideas that would assist in changing the ills in the society. The progressive movement sought to eliminate corruption in the government, minimize women suffrage, regulate monopolies, and control corporations through antitrust laws. Several presidents were involved in the progressive era and had varying views regarding the role of the federal government.
Roosevelt viewed that the government had a big role in governing the large corporations and regulating the environment. The country was experiencing industrial development leading to a steady increase in prices. The giving of power to the government would assist in restoring the liberty of the people who were oppressed. The regulations by the government would help the government in controlling resources and conserving them from exploitation. The president saw that the government had a significant role to play in ensuring that there was a balance between employees and employers in the management of labor disputes.
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Taft pushed for antitrust actions and fought for tariff reforms. He did not want the government to have a broad scope because this would affect the operations. Taft pursued antitrust laws more as compared to Roosevelt, and he fought for unfair labor practices. However, Taft was not interested in the preservation of the natural resources.
Wilson, on the other hand, had a view that the government was to be involved in the enactment of many reforms. Wilson wanted actions to be taken to assist in preserving the individual freedom. He did not want the large corporations to dominate the government. He introduced significant measures in business and finance, for instance, anti-trust legislation.
In conclusion, different presidents had different views regarding the role of the federal government in the progressive era. While Roosevelt felt he had a big role in controlling corporations, Taft fought for tariff reforms, and Wilson encouraged enacting various changes such as the preservation of individual freedom.
