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Essay / Biography of Theodore Roosevelt - 983
The definition of 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, as he shaped the modern presidency by fighting trust, getting involved in foreign affairs, and preserving wildlife. In business terms, Theodore Roosevelt was progressive. . As he took office in 1901, he faced an America with a rapidly growing population and urbanization. Having more staff and more business posed many problems. Teddy Roosevelt believed he should work for social justice and economic regulation through government. He believed that big business was part of a healthy economy and he did not want to abolish it, but he also believed that business should be regulated to preserve people's well-being and prevent socialism. Past presidents rarely used the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, and if they did, it was against unions. Roosevelt used the Sherman Anti-Trust Act in a way that benefited Common Joe. In 1902, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the Northern Security Company, which consolidated four different railroads. It violated the Sherman Anti-Trust Act because it was a monopoly. In 1904, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the monopoly must be broken up. During this ordeal, the stock market crashed, but overall the nation was pleased with the president's achievement. He also regulated railroad corruption by introducing the Hepburn Act, which strengthened the powers of the Interstate Commerce Commission. Senators opposed to the law attempted to render the ICC powerless. Roosevelt took the matter directly to the people, who pressured senators middle of paper...... evelt was a progressive president during his presidency from 1901 to 1909 because even with his big ego, and Under the pressure of growing corruption, he managed to make decisions that were for the good of the people and not for his own good. He shaped the modern presidency and set a great example of how to break through political corruption and truly make a difference. Theodore Roosevelt is a truly inspiring president whose progressive values made America what it is today. Works Cited “Miller Center.” American President: Theodore Roosevelt: Domestic Affairs. University of Virginia, nd Web. November 17, 2013. “Miller Center.” American President: Theodore Roosevelt: Foreign Affairs. University of Virginia, nd Web. November 17, 2013. “Miller Center.” American President: Theodore Roosevelt: impact and legacy. University of Virginia, nd Web. November 17. 2013.