Topic > Theodore Roosevelt Biography - 983

The definition of a progressive is a reformer who wanted to improve American life. Teddy Roosevelt was a progressive president in terms of his stance on business, foreign policy, and conservation because he shaped the modern presidency by acting as a trustbuster, involving himself in foreign affairs, and conserving wildlife. In business terms, Theodore Roosevelt was progressive. When he took office in 1901, he faced an America with a rapidly growing population and urbanization. There were a lot of problems that came with having more people and more business. Teddy Roosevelt believed he needed to work for social justice and economic regulation through government. He believed that big business was part of a healthy economy and did not want to abolish it, but he also believed that business needed to be regulated to preserve people's well-being and prevent socialism. Former presidents had rarely used the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, and if they had, it was anti-union. Roosevelt used the Sherman Anti-Trust Act in a way that benefited the Common Joe. In 1902 the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the Northern Security Company, which combined four different railroads. It violated the Sherman Anti-Trust Act because it was a monopoly. In 1904 the United States Supreme Court decreed the dismantling of the monopoly. During this ordeal, the stock market collapsed, but overall the nation was pleased that the president was successful. He also regulated railroad corruption by introducing the Hepburn Act, which strengthened the powers of the Interstate Commerce Commission. Senators who opposed the law sought to render the ICC impotent. Roosevelt took the case directly to the people, who pressured the senators to p...... middle of paper ...... evelt was a progressive president during his presidency from 1901 to 1909 because despite his large ego , and under the pressure of growing corruption, he managed to make decisions that were for the good of the people and not for the good of himself. He shaped the modern presidency and set an excellent example of how to overcome political corruption and make a real difference. Theodore Roosevelt is a truly inspiring president whose progressive values ​​have made America what it is today. Works cited "Miller Center". American President: Theodore Roosevelt: Home Affairs. University of Virginia, n.d. Web. November 17, 2013."Miller Center." American President: Theodore Roosevelt: Foreign Affairs. University of Virginia, n.d. Web. November 17, 2013."Miller Center." American President: Theodore Roosevelt: Impact and Legacy. University of Virginia, n.d. Web. November 17. 2013.