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Theodore Roosevelt Takes Office
TR became the youngest person to hold the office, Roosevelt was selected by the Republicans to be the Vice-President – an unimportant position where his interests in reform would be buffered. However, with the assassination of McKinley, the Rough Rider was about to start the Progressive Era by offering a “Square Deal” to everyone! MORE -
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Theodore Roosevelt Administration
The youngest person to hold the office, Roosevelt was selected by the Republicans to be the Vice-President – an unimportant position where his interests in reform would be buffered. However, with the assassination of McKinley, the Rough Rider was about to start the Progressive Era by offering a “Square Deal” to everyone! -
Booker T. Washington Dines at the White House (VUS.8c)
In an attempt to gain perspective of Southern African-Americans, TR invited Mr. Washington to a formal dinner at the white house. This act won him praise from the black voters, and many Southern whites were outraged. This “controversy” would stick with him for the next 8 years – and Roosevelt never apologized for inviting the first African-Americans to dinner at the White House. Read MORE -
“Speak softly and carry a big stick” (VUS.9a)
Roosevelt claims this African proverb to explain his foreign and financial policy agendas. America’s navy would grow to one of the most powerful in the world under pressure from TR. Read MORE -
Roosevelt settles the Coal Strike (VUS.8d)
Inviting the two sides together to talk out their differences, TR stood as a moderator between the sides. With winter approaching (coal was a primary source of heat for families), there was a significant threat to lives and commerce. This marked the first time the Government considered intervening and moderating a strike. The strike ended on October 23 with concession made by each side. MORE -
The Elkins Act (VUS.8d)
This made it illegal for railroads to give rebates beyond their posted rates – this regulation was designed to help keep fair competition. Part of Roosevelt’s “Square Deal”, this shows increased government regulation on business. Read MORE -
The Trust-Buster (VUS.8d)
Roosevelt began his trust-busting career by having the Department of Justice prosecute a securities trust held by JP Morgan as a violation of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. By the end, TR would prosecute about 40 trusts, earning his nickname! Read MORE -
“I took the canal zone” – TR (VUS.9a)
An example of Big Stick Diplomacy, the United States “supported” an independence movement in Panama which broke away from Colombia. In return, the US gained the rights to build a canal across Panama, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, greatly assisting commerce and naval power. Read MORE -
The “First Flight”
The Wright Brothers (Orville and Wilbur), made their first flight in a controlled machine by flying for 12 seconds and covering 120 feet. They made three more flights that day – and in less than 66 years we would be on the moon! MORE -
The National Child Labor Committee first meets (VUS.8d)
Concerns about child labor were brought about by “muckraking” journalists. Concerned citizens and politicians met to study the problem and announce findings. In 1907, Congress gave the group a charter to continue to study and promote laws against child labor. -
New York opens first Subway Line (VUS.8a)
Attempting to meet the needs of the growing population and the need to move people on public transportation, the City of New York built the world’s first subway. Many cities around the world have followed suit – showing America’s ability to innovate and advance. MORE -
The Roosevelt Corollary (VUS.9a)
In his annual address to Congress, this statement strengthened the Monroe Doctrine by re-stating America’s position of authority in Latin America, and that we would be the force of International Police Power in the Western Hemisphere. MORE -
Roosevelt Established the National Forest Service (VUS.8d)
A champion of conservation and nature, Roosevelt set aside millions of acres of land to be managed, protected and serve as wildlife refuges. TR realized the dangers represented to the environment in the name of industrial progress. MORE -
The Great Arbitrator (VUS.9a)
Roosevelt helps Russia and Japan negotiate a treaty to end their war – TR wins the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts, and gains global fame and respect. The treaty kept the balance of power in the Far East, and preserved the Open Door Policy in China. MORE -
The Hepburn Act (VUS.8d)
This law was designed to strengthen the Interstate Commerce Commission by allowing it to establish “fair” shipping rates. Part of Roosevelt’s “Square Deal”, this shows increased government regulation on business. Read MORE -
Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act (VUS.8d)
This law was inspired by the Muckraking journalists and the novel, The Jungle, written by Upton Sinclair. To protect people from unsafe food and medicines, this law would provide for regulation and inspection as well as truth in advertising. MORE -
The Panic of 1907 (VUS.8d)
The stock market took a dive, some bank trusts failed and economic panic set in. TR authorized the government to loan out $68 million to banks and businesses, and JP Morgan kicked in the rest to prevent a complete collapse. MORE -
The Great White Fleet (VUS.9a)
TR orders the American Navy on a world-wide tour of “good will” and greetings from the United States. Recognized as part of “Big Stick Diplomacy”, this show of force was designed to establish the American navy as one of the world’s strongest. MORE on this historic journey. -
The First Conference of Governors (VUS.8d)
TR invited the governors from all states to meet at the White House for a conference to discuss problems facing conservation and to identify solutions. Check out TR’s environment record! -
Ford introduces the Model T (VUS.8b)
The jewel of the assembly line, Ford placed the product on a conveyor belt and the worker would complete his simple task in assembly, this innovation greatly increased production and lowered the price. This assembly line, and this product, would have far reaching consequences for America[ MORE](http://www.ushistory.org/us/46a.asp) -
NAACP is founded (VUS.8c)
W.E.B. DuBois and other progressives founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. DuBois, a believer in absolute equality and integration, was frequently at odds with Booker T. Washington. The NAACP would challenge discrimination in the courts, and placing pressure on Congress and the Presidents.
