The events and terms during the Progressive Era in the United States beggining with Teddy Roosevelt entering office.

Essay by Auzeen426High School, 11th gradeA+, April 2003

download word file, 2 pages 3.0

Downloaded 55 times

During the Progressive Era, the United States goals and outlooks changed dramatically. The economy was going from domestic to worldwide. America's interest expanded to China, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. People say that Teddy Roosevelt was a visionary and a genius. He truly held both these traits, the nation would not be what it is today if it weren't for the work of Teddy Roosevelt. He saw the US as a powerful world leader. Being a sickly asthmatic child, he gained the attitude of living each life to its fullest and utilizing every opportunity. TR owned a Ranch and lived there for many years, then went on to be mayor of NY. In 1900 he became vice president to McKinley. McKinley was assassinated in 1901, and TR took on the presidential roles, although the circumstances that he gained this role were grim, he fully utilized his presidential role and did not have a grim out look on our nations future.

TR wanted to regulate big businesses, among other things, in his "square deal". TR revived the Sherman Antitrust Act and used it to break up trusts. TR broke up the major monopolies that were causing imbalances in the stock market, such as the railroad monopoly. He broke up horizontal and vertical trusts. Horizontal trusts, such as the standard oil monopolies, are when many of the same businesses develop one firm together. Vertical trusts, such as the steel monopoly, are when the company gains control of all phases of a company.

During his two terms in office, TR made many improvements. He passed the meat Inspection Act, insuring it was healthy and sanitary. He also passed the Pure Food and Drug Act, forbidding the sale of impure food, drugs, and liquor. He also helped workers in the Coal strike. He...