A Brief Review on Theodore Roosevelt and His Ties to Progressivism

A Brief Review on Theodore Roosevelt and His Ties to Progressivism
         
          Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States of America, helped the country enter the twentieth century. Though classifying himself to be affiliated with the Republican Party, Roosevelt exhibited certain progressive actions and traits. This would lead to the formation of a new political party, the Progressive "Bull Moose" Party and a subsequent change back to the Republican Party.

          While President of the United States, Roosevelt acted on certain events that could be considered to be progressive. Examples of such progressive actions included how Roosevelt worked closely with labor unions. Roosevelt sided with the labor union's demands. As a result, a specific wage amount and nine hour work days became mandatory. Roosevelt believed there would be a societal revolution due to the rich making too much and the poor making too little. As a response, Roosevelt refused to give inside information to JP Morgan. Roosevelt busted many trusts that he thought were harming the public and such actions confused JP Morgan and other similar big names. For this, Roosevelt earned the reputation of being a reformer and seemingly sporadic in certain decisions. He would not approve of the nature of such trusts, for example. Roosevelt wished to act in the interest of all. This is a sign of social cohesion, an attribute of progressivism. Roosevelt advocated for the motivation of the American public to create a stronger society that would be considered cohesive and better overall. Roosevelt's desire to fulfill the wishes of people was at the forefront which is sometimes set off to the side for not as progressive political leaders. His conservationist actions and establishment of national parks and monuments also add to the argument that Roosevelt was rather a progressive individual.

          Though Roosevelt dealt with numerous domestic issues, he continued to actively participate in affairs abroad. He wished to compete in world markets with foreign powers. Roosevelt wished to police others in the Western Hemisphere as dictated by the Monroe Doctrine where European powers would avoid dealing with Western affairs. Because of this, Roosevelt was the first President of the United States to go to a different country while in office. 

          As Roosevelt's term was coming to an end, he to chose to support presidential nominee Taft. Once Taft won, Roosevelt saw Taft to be siding with conservatives instead of the progressives. Roosevelt was disturbed by this and, as a result, formed the Progressive "Bull Moose" Party.

          By looking back on the numerous actions of President Theodore Roosevelt, one can make a judgement that he was a rather progressive individual. Whether this be evidenced by his actions in America or internationally, this seems to be the case.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/theodore-roosevelt/