Introduction

Central Question: What progressive policies were implemented during the Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson administrations?

Think about the most recent presidential election.

  • Which candidate did you support and why?
  • Have you ever noticed that presidential candidates act differently depending on the audience they are addressing?
  • Can you imagine how difficult it might be to choose if there were three major candidates with very similar platforms, two of whom were former Presidents, and all actually had a chance to win?

Well believe it or not, it happened during the Progressive Era in the Election of 1912!

The editorial cartoon below portrays the candidates from the 1912 Presidential Election, all of whom considered themselves to be progressives and all of whom served as President. Analyze the cartoon by selecting each blue icon.

Analyze the Cartoon text version | Open Analyze the Cartoon in a new tab

Between 1901 and 1921, the United States had series of progressive presidents who worked actively to reform and enhance American society. Presidents Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson used the "bully pulpit"A public position that allows one to speak his or her views of the federal government to improve working conditions, expand regulation of business and industry, and to conserve American land.

While their collective efforts led to an increase in the size and scope of government, their reforms enriched the lives of many and have inspired generations to come to continue the crusade for reform.


Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Compare major domestic policies of Presidents Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: US History 11 Objectives: 2, 2.3, & 2.6.

This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standards: R2, R9, W2, W4, W6, W7, & W10.

 

 

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