Topic: Assessing the Progressive
Policies of Theodore Roosevelt:
Liberal or Conservative?
TR: The “People’s President”
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Strong president,
unpredictable
1st Modern President
Presidential “Image” (Bully
Pulpit)
Roosevelt adopted “some”
Progressive ideals
Goal: Fix capitalism and
stop socialist agitation
“middle ground” approach
TR: Republican hero or
“do-gooder”?
Square Deal:
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Regulating trusts
Consumer Protection
Environmentalism
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TRs views of Trusts
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Use of Sherman Anti-Trust Act
Northern Securities Case
(1904)
Regulation of trusts
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Breaks Standard Oil
Elkins and Hepburn Act
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Good vs. bad trusts
Government runs the nation, not
trusts
Rebates illegal
ICC strengthened
Trust Busting: 40 trusts litigated
against by TR
TR and Labor:
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1902 Penn Coal Strike
Creates Department of
Commerce and Labor
TR as the
“Trustbuster”
TR The Trustbuster: Two Views
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Consumer Protection
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1906: The Jungle
Meat Inspection Act
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Safer meat products
Exported/Imported meat
Pure Food and Drug Act
(FDA)
Environmentalism
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TRs views (rational use)
National Forrest Service
(G. Pinchot)
Newlands Act of 1902
Pelican Island (Florida)
National Monuments Act
Antiquities Act
Hetch Hetchy Controversy
(San Francisco Dam)
TR protects the
“average
American”
Conclusion
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One Word Summary:
Choose one word that describes TR’s
domestic policies. (Keep in mind today’s
topic question)
 Write 2-3 sentences explaining why you
chose that word.
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