Progressive Presidents

Working condition issues• Health / Dangers

– Upton Sinclair's The Jungle– Harsh conditions, unsanitary meat packing plants– Leads to Pure Food Drug Act

• Creates the Pure Food Drug Administration (FDA)• Truth in labeling

• Child Labor– As young as 5-6 holding full time jobs– Very dangerous, long hours– Need to “chip” in to the family income– Hazardous jobs– Leads to Child Labor Laws

William H. Taft

• 1904 was declared to be TR’s successor in 1908.

• Former Sec. of State• Defeated Bryan who

was calling for Federal Income tax.

• Bust 90 trusts in 4 yrs.• Angered conservationist

when removed 1 mill. Acres of forest land and appointed Richard Ballinger as Sec. of Interior

• Payne-Aldrich Tariff– Called for lowering tariffs

and also lowered rates on many manufactured goods

Election of 1912

• Republican split• Republicans = Taft• Bull Moose = Roosevelt

• 1912 Rep. Convention refuses to seat TR, who is running again

• Creates Bull Moose Party– Direct election of senators– Adoption in all states: initiative,

referendum, and recall– Women’s right to vote– National workmen’s

compensation– 8hr. Workday– Anti child labor laws– Federal trade commission to

regulate business

results

• Roosevelt (Bull Moose / Progressive)

• Taft (Republican)• Woodrow Wilson

(Democrat)• Debs (Socialist)

• Woodrow Wilson wins– New Freedom

• Stronger antitrust• Banking reform• Reduced tariffs