HIS 405 Week 5 Case Study – Essay

HIS 405 Week 5 Case Study – Essay

Student Name

Chamberlain University

HIS-405 US History

Prof. Name:

Date

Week 5 – Case Study: Theodore Roosevelt as a Progressive Leader

Theodore Roosevelt served as the 26th President of the United States, ascending to the presidency at the age of 42, making him the youngest individual to hold the office. Renowned as one of the most active and confrontational presidents, Roosevelt played a pivotal role in advancing the American progressive movement. He believed that societal progress was only achievable through a progressive mindset. This case study delves into Roosevelt’s definition of progressivism and examines its characteristics, opposition, goals, societal impact, and achievements.

Characteristics of Progressives

In his speech, Who is a Progressive, Theodore Roosevelt outlined the traits of a progressive. He emphasized the importance of addressing consumer protection, conserving the environment and its resources, and supporting measures to control corporate activities (The Library of Congress, 2018). According to Roosevelt, a progressive is an individual with a hopeful attitude towards life and an eagerness to advance society (Robertson, 2015). Progressives focus on solving societal issues and often advocate for reforms to address injustices.

Conversely, anti-progressives acted in direct opposition to these principles, prioritizing material wealth over human rights. They disregarded environmental concerns and supported unregulated capitalism, leading to worker exploitation and widening economic disparities (Corbett et al., 2017). Roosevelt viewed them as a threat to societal progress and democracy.

Goals of Progressivism

President Roosevelt aimed to establish a genuine government by the people, eliminating social and economic inequalities. The progressive agenda prioritized improving social welfare by banning child labor and advocating for better working conditions and hours (Robertson, 2015). Economic reforms were central to this movement, as the unfairness of capitalism and favoritism toward large corporations undermined market competition.

Progressives sought to protect consumer rights and regulate major industries to mitigate their environmental impact. By addressing these issues, Roosevelt aimed to uphold workers’ rights and ensure fair wages to promote a sustainable quality of life (The Library of Congress, 2018).

Achievements and Societal Impact

Progressives influenced multiple aspects of American society, addressing urbanization, political corruption, and industrial exploitation (Robertson, 2015). Their efforts led to legislative achievements such as the Illinois Factory Act of 1893, which restricted women’s working hours and prohibited child labor. Roosevelt also commended initiatives that gave the public control over resources like water power franchises, highlighting their contribution to social welfare.

President Roosevelt recognized the efforts of his predecessors and contemporaries, including President Taft, who supported progressivism. These initiatives laid the foundation for a fairer, more democratic society and underscored the significance of collective action in fostering societal progress (The Library of Congress, 2018).

HIS 405 Week 5 Case Study – Essay

Conclusion

Theodore Roosevelt championed progressivism as a means to advance civilization and address societal ills. His vision of progressivism focused on improving social welfare, curbing corporate excesses, and fostering economic fairness. Through progressive reforms, he sought to create a society rooted in fairness, equality, and sustainability. His leadership exemplified the transformative potential of progressivism in reshaping the social, political, and economic fabric of society.

References

Corbett, P. S., Janssen, V., Lund, J. M., Pfannestiel, T., & Vickery, P. (2017). U.S. History. Houston, Texas: OpenStax.

Robertson, D. B. (2015). The Progressive Era. Oxford Handbook of US Social Policy, 41–58.

HIS 405 Week 5 Case Study – Essay

The Library of Congress. (2018, October 23). The Presidential Election of 1912: A Resource Guide. Retrieved from https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/elections/election1912.html