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Progressive Presidents

In: Other Topics

Submitted By mwest16
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Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson were both presidents during the Progressive Era, and in the election of 1912 they competed for the presidency. Both men saw the problems caused by industrialization and big business, but disagreed on the nature of these problems and the correct method of solving them. Roosevelt saw the benefit of increased efficiency brought on by big business but stressed the need to legislate against its abuse of power while Wilson saw all monopoly as inherently unproductive and stressed its abolishment. While each of these men were strong in their convictions related to reigning in or completing eliminating the big business mindset that had overtaken the country at the time, the simple fact is that not all of their goals were met while in office in relation to this cause. When running for office, candidates often lead with speeches of great change in an effort to sway the vote in their favor. However, despite the desires of their heart, these two men were unable to push their complete agenda because although their parties controlled the senate, receiving the support their required was nearly impossible for each stance they took.
President Roosevelt was indeed a fan of the little man in America, and supported the thought of achieving the American dream; to include small business ownership. However, it was not his desire to completely interrupt what was going on with industry during your years in the White House. He realized to importance of big business in America, and the financial gains that came from such companies. He did not agree with the manner in which big business was handling things though, and strived to tighten the rules that once so loosely governed their actions. In 1910 Roosevelt stated that “One of the chief factors in progress is the destruction of special privilege. The essence of any struggle for healthy liberty has always

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