Roosevelt_&_Wilson

Roosevelt & Wilson: Two Progressives November 5, 2013 In 1912 came a great presidential race, with both nominees adopting the Progressive ideology. Even though Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson were Progressives the attitude of each differed somewhat in theory. This was during the time of a great change in the United States with many reforms and two presidents who make their presence known with the many great changes given to Americans in business as well as social. In all my reading and research I view Roosevelt as a wild, powerful, and uncertain "Rough Rider" which he was taught by his father after a sickly childhood. Woodrow on the other hand was a religious, idealistic traditionalist standing his ground, probably coming from his religious mother and father the preacher. This gave Wilson the balance set of morality he withheld until death. With the examination of domestic doctrines by Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, I come to the realization that both varied greatly but they were both sufficient leaders in making modern America. Although both these men obtained two different approaches at Progressivism they both acquired the same goal in America, being changes to America in the best for the people and country itself. This goal left Roosevelt to be for the common man where Wilson achieved the image of the “better progressive”. Both of these men achieved much in the office but with powerful stories behind them which is the next discussion starting with Theodore Roosevelt who was the 26th President but in 1912 his term will expire which is a downfall. In the interest of national durability, Roosevelt would resume conservative ways of McKinley until 1902, when the campaign to regulate corporate interests and protect the interest of the average citizen was raised. Roosevelt knowing this was a risky move was in belief that the votes of the common man served as more political power than political machines. This meant he was at a vision of his rising system of progressivism moved way for another term of presidency. Taft and Roosevelt, both Republican Progressives, battled vigorously while bad mouthing the other due to Taft leading the conservative lifestyle, which led to the creation of the third party or “Bull Moose Party” in which Roosevelt presumed as the presidential candidate. Roosevelt’s ending happened when lost to Woodrow Wilson by two million votes. This ending did come after “New Nationalism” with achievements such as: * Sherman Anti-trust Act * Coal Strike of 1902, Elkins Act of 1903 * Hepburn Act of 1906 * Pure Food and Drug Act * Meat Inspection Act of 1906 * Conservation * Panama Canal After the news of Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson’s winning in the race of 1912, he started his “New Freedom Reforms” starting with the Underwood Tariff of 1913 which lowered the tariff in corporate powers. The establishment of the Federal Trade Act of 1914 says the Federal Trade Commission would investigate and stop illegal business transactions. A broadened antitrust solution was underway and established in the creation of the Clayton Antitrust Act of1914. Supervising of the bank system by “FEDS” occur in the establishment of the creation of Federal Reserve System of 1914. In the outbreak of World War 1 in August 1914, Wilson felt it was his duty to be the bringer of peace in this worldly battle. In 1917 when Germany decided to use submarines which were not permitted against allies which called for America’s intervention in hopes of influencing world concerns and protect democracy. In January 1918 Wilson issued a peace proposal consisting of: * freedom of the seas and removal of all barriers to trade * an end to secret diplomacy; general disarmament * self-government for the submerged nationalities in the German and Austro-Hungarian empires and a league of nations When Wilson added more than a million troops, 1918, to the ally armies the balance fell against the Germans and a truths come on November 11 ending the war. After Wilson did not appeal to the allies at the Paris Peace Conference, the British never agreed to: * freedom of the seas and removal of all barriers to trade * an end to secret diplomacy; general disarmament * self-government for the submerged nationalities in the German and Austro-Hungarian empires and a league of nations The tradition of America staying out of world affairs was the desire of many of the people so when Wilson forcefully encountered the Senate he failed his biggest goal; becoming a member of the League of Nations. References Bull Moose Party. (1912, Aug. 7).  Platform of the Progressive party. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/tr-progressive/ Roosevelt, T. R. (1910, Aug. 31).  The new nationalism. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/tr-nationalism/ Wilson, W. (1913, March 4).  First inaugural address. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/tr-woodrow/ TR, The Story of Theodore Roosevelt; Presidential Politics Article, (1996-2013). Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/tr-politics/