Progressivism, Lesson 5: Teddy Roosevelt's Square Deal

Assessment: Drag the important events of Theodore Roosevelt's early political life into chronological order from top to bottom.

1. He was elected governor of New York 2. He served three terms in the New York State Assembly 3. He served as assistant secretary of the U.S. Navy 4. He was chosen as the vice-presidential candidate for William McKinley 5. He became the youngest person to be the president of the United States

What was significant about the way the 1902 coal strike was settled?

From that point on, the federal government was expected to play a more active role in settling labor disputes.

Motives Why did W.E.B. Du Bois found The Crisis magazine?

He hoped that the magazine's articles could be used to highlight issues of racial inequality.

How did Theodore Roosevelt change the role of the president in the federal government?

He made Americans begin to look at the federal government and solve the nation's economic and social problems in a different way.

How did Roosevelt respond to Upton Sinclair's exposé of the meat packing industry?

He pushed to pass the Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906.

What actions did Theodore Roosevelt take in response to the practices exposed in Upton Sinclair's book The Jungle?

He pushed to pass the Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906.

In what ways did President Roosevelt regulate the railroads?

His efforts provided fairer shipping rates and less corruption in the railroad industry.

What do you think is the cartoonist's opinion of Roosevelt? Cite details from the cartoon that support your interpretation.

I think that the cartoonist thinks that Roosevelt was doing a good job of trustbusting because he has all of the lions (companies) bowing down to him. Roosevelt is portrayed strongly with big muscles and a big whip. Roosevelt was able to "tame" the beasts of Wall Street, and he was committed to protecting the public interest.

What caused President Roosevelt to enact measures to conserve the natural environment?

In the 1900s, Americans had shortsightedly exploited the natural environment. Roosevelt believed that natural resources were not endless and set aside lands to protect them.

How did John Muir's views on conservation differ from those of President Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot?

Muir advocated for the complete preservation of the wilderness.

Which of the following was true of civil rights during Roosevelt's presidency?

President Roosevelt did little to advance the goal of racial equality.

What did Roosevelt see as the government's role in solving society's problems?

Roosevelt believed in a strong federal government that actively worked to solve problems and go after businesses that hurt the public interest.

What actions and characteristics of Teddy Roosevelt contributed to his reputation as the first modern president?

Roosevelt was an active, forceful, and energetic executive; he used his position to shape legislation and influence the media.

What new principle did President Roosevelt's actions during the 1902 coal strike establish?

The government was expected to intervene when a strike threatened the public welfare.

Why did political bosses urge Theodore Roosevelt to run as William McKinley's vice presidential candidate?

They wanted to take him out of state office since they could not control him.

Why did W. E. B. Du Bois oppose Booker T. Washington's views on racial discrimination?

W.E.B. DuBois opposed Booker T. Washington's views on racial discrimination because he felt that the program Washington had implemented was ineffective in providing benefits for African-Americans. While DuBois agreed with many of Washington's theories, he did not feel that the program Washington designed provided the necessary resources for African-Americans to excel. DuBois and Washington's views were both highly respected during the time that views on racial discrimination were changing.

Prior to 1901, which region had the greatest amount of conservation lands?

West

Why do you think it was important to have air shafts in the mines?

for ventilation.

Who was the first target of Roosevelt's trustbusting?

the railroad conglomerate owned by J. P. Morgan