Teddy Roosevelt
Early Life

Born into a well-to-do family of Dutch heritage in
New York.

Was sickly as a youth, but through sports built
himself up.

Went to Harvard and then Columbia Law School.

Unlike many people of the upper class at the
time (who thought of politics as vulgar), TR
went into politics.

Gained national fame
as the leader of “the
Rough Riders” in Cuba
during the SpanishAmerican War.

Was then elected as
governor of New York
in 1898.

He was a Republican.
TR and the Rough Riders

Was chosen to run as
Vice-President when
William McKinley ran
for re-election in 1900
(McKinley’s 1st VP had
died).

Became President in
1901 when McKinley
was assassinated.
As President

Pres. 1901-1908.

His approach to the Presidency reflected his
personality—he was very active.

TR saw the presidency as a “bully pulpit” to
preach his ideas.

His speeches used strong progressive language,
but in practice, was more moderate (He became
more radical in his views towards business as
time went on).
Policies Towards Business

TR gained fame as a “trust buster” when he
ordered his attorney general to file antitrust
legislation (as put forth by the Sherman antitrust
act) against J.P. Morgan’s Northern Securities
Company.

TR, However, generally favored government
regulation and business cooperation rather than
antitrust.
More Views on Big Business

Admired the “efficiency” of the trusts.

Thus thought they needed to be regulated
rather than broken up.

Thought that there were “good” trusts and
“bad” trusts.
TR’s Slogans

When he tried to run for Pres. In 1912, his
new, more radical, policies were called the
“New Nationalism.”

He was fond of using the word “bully.”
Protecting Consumers

He was President when Upton Sinclair
published The Jungle.

He then got the Meat Inspection Act
passed.

He also signed into law the Pure Food and
Drug Act (both in 1906). Created the
Food and Drug Administration.
Regulating the Railroads

Strengthened the Interstate Commerce
Commission (ICC).

Regulated RR’s rates and outlawed
rebates.
TR and Conservation

From his time in South Dakota, TR gained an
appreciation of nature.

As President, he added 150 million acres to
national forests and 5 new national parks.

He also limited the amount of lumber on
national land.

He named his friend, Gifford Pinchot, head of
the US Forrest Service.

TR and John Muir
in Yellowstone.
Dealing with Labor

The Anthracite Coal Strike

In 1902 the United Mine Workers (UMW) went on strike.

At the time, coal was the main source of heat.

The UMW wanted a 20% raise and an 8-hour workday.

They also wanted the mine owners to recognize their
union.

The owners refused and the strike went on for almost 6months.

TR Intervened and settled the strike.

(got the 2-sides to accept arbitration.)

The mine workers got a 10% raise (which the owners
passed on to consumers by raising their prices) and a 9hour workday.

The mine owners didn’t have to recognize the union.

1st time a president had not been solely on the side of
business owners.

This helped TR win election in 1904.
Review

Explain TR’s attitude towards the trusts.
Why did he prefer regulation to breaking-up
trusts?

What did TR use the Interstate Commerce
Commission to regulate?

Why is TR considered a conservationist?

What two acts that protected consumers
were passed when TR was president?