Importance of Theodore Roosevelt in the
Development of Progressivism from 1900 to 1920
How important was Theodore Roosevelt in the development of progressivism in the years 1900-1920?
Progressivism is a political attitude which favours various reforms through government action towards many things in society. In America Progressivism was a reaction to the rapid industrialisation of the nation throughout the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.The goals of progressivism were not to reverse the changes that occurred in America during the changes to a highly industrialised society, but to instead embrace them whilst altering the system to create a fairer and more just society. Examples of this would be ‘trust busting’ (breaking up excessively large corporations) and promoting social justice and enacting reforms to try to achieve it. Overall progressivism promoted a more interventionist and moral approach to economics and government. Theodore Roosevelt was the symbol of progressivism during the early 1900’s. Originally a Republican and president from 1900-1909, he became heavily influenced by progressive ideas during his time in office. Following his disillusion with the Republican party he formed his own Progressive party.
In regards to how important Roosevelt was in the development of progressivism, I believe his record is a mixed bag. Roosevelt possessed an incredible charisma, evidenced by his fantastic speeches, larger than life personality and manly image. An example of this would be when he was shot when reciting a speech and wasn’t at all shaken, declaring he was ‘as strong as a bull moose!’ His charisma and fearless demeanour gave him a great influence over people. This allowed him to bring many defectors from the Republican Party to his new party, strengthening the Progressive cause. Roosevelt’s revolutionary ideas and beliefs helped the development of progressivism further. Roosevelt believed that although strong corporations were good for America, he felt that the behaviour of such corporation’s should be monitored to ensure that greed did not get
Progressivism is a political attitude which favours various reforms through government action towards many things in society. In America Progressivism was a reaction to the rapid industrialisation of the nation throughout the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.The goals of progressivism were not to reverse the changes that occurred in America during the changes to a highly industrialised society, but to instead embrace them whilst altering the system to create a fairer and more just society. Examples of this would be ‘trust busting’ (breaking up excessively large corporations) and promoting social justice and enacting reforms to try to achieve it. Overall progressivism promoted a more interventionist and moral approach to economics and government. Theodore Roosevelt was the symbol of progressivism during the early 1900’s. Originally a Republican and president from 1900-1909, he became heavily influenced by progressive ideas during his time in office. Following his disillusion with the Republican party he formed his own Progressive party.
In regards to how important Roosevelt was in the development of progressivism, I believe his record is a mixed bag. Roosevelt possessed an incredible charisma, evidenced by his fantastic speeches, larger than life personality and manly image. An example of this would be when he was shot when reciting a speech and wasn’t at all shaken, declaring he was ‘as strong as a bull moose!’ His charisma and fearless demeanour gave him a great influence over people. This allowed him to bring many defectors from the Republican Party to his new party, strengthening the Progressive cause. Roosevelt’s revolutionary ideas and beliefs helped the development of progressivism further. Roosevelt believed that although strong corporations were good for America, he felt that the behaviour of such corporation’s should be monitored to ensure that greed did not get