The Theodore Roosevelt administration (1901–1909) marked one of the most transformative periods in U.S. history. Roosevelt, the 26th President, rose to power after the assassination of William McKinley and served two terms. A dynamic leader, Roosevelt was a reformer who expanded presidential authority, championed progressive policies, and positioned the United States as a dominant global power. His administration is often referred to as the start of the Progressive Era.

Key Themes of the Roosevelt Administration

1. “Square Deal” Philosophy: Roosevelt sought fairness for workers, consumers, and businesses, balancing corporate power with public welfare.
2. Progressive Reforms: Tackled monopolies, promoted conservation, and supported labor rights.
3. Foreign Policy: Advocated for a strong U.S. presence on the global stage, epitomized by his motto, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

Domestic Policies and Achievements

1. Progressive Reforms

Roosevelt was a champion of progressive causes aimed at curbing corporate power and protecting public interests:

• Trust-Busting:
  • Used the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) to break up monopolies, earning him the nickname “Trust Buster.”
  • Notable cases included the breakup of Northern Securities Company (1904) and actions against Standard Oil and American Tobacco Company.
• Regulation of Industry:
  • Passed the Elkins Act (1903) to prohibit unfair railroad rebates.
  • Strengthened regulation of railroads through the Hepburn Act (1906), giving the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) authority to set rates.

2. Consumer Protection

Roosevelt’s administration addressed growing public concerns about unsafe food and drugs:

• Meat Inspection Act (1906):
  • Mandated federal inspection of meatpacking plants following the exposé in Upton Sinclair’s novel The Jungle.
• Pure Food and Drug Act (1906):
  • Created the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent the sale of adulterated or mislabeled products.

3. Conservation and Environmentalism

Roosevelt was a pioneer in conservation, emphasizing the sustainable use of natural resources:

• Created the United States Forest Service (1905).
• Signed into law the Antiquities Act (1906), allowing the president to designate national monuments.
• Protected over 230 million acres of public lands, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.
• Established five national parks and 18 national monuments, including the Grand Canyon.

4. Labor and Social Reforms

• Intervened in the Coal Strike of 1902, the first president to mediate a labor dispute:
  • Brokered a compromise between miners and employers, preventing a national energy crisis.
  • Demonstrated a willingness to challenge corporate power to ensure public welfare.

Foreign Policy and Global Leadership

1. Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1904):

• Declared the U.S. had the right to intervene in Latin American countries to stabilize their economies and prevent European intervention.
• Marked a shift toward more aggressive U.S. involvement in the Western Hemisphere.

2. Panama Canal:

• Facilitated the construction of the Panama Canal, vital for global trade and military mobility.
• Supported Panama’s independence from Colombia to secure control of the canal zone.

3. Great White Fleet (1907–1909):

• Sent a fleet of U.S. battleships on a world tour to demonstrate American naval power and promote goodwill.

4. Russo-Japanese War Mediation:

• Roosevelt brokered the Treaty of Portsmouth (1905), ending the war between Russia and Japan.
• Earned the Nobel Peace Prize (1906), the first U.S. president to receive the honor.

Key Legislative and Social Initiatives

1. Strengthening Federal Power:

• Advocated for a stronger executive branch to address national challenges.
• Supported progressive taxation and inheritance taxes on the wealthy to reduce economic inequality.

2. Civil Rights:

• Roosevelt invited Booker T. Washington to the White House in 1901, sparking controversy as the first African American to be a guest at the executive mansion.
• However, his administration largely avoided systemic civil rights reforms, reflecting the racial attitudes of the era.

Challenges and Criticisms

1. Labor Relations:
   • While Roosevelt supported workers in some cases, he was also criticized for using federal troops against strikes.
2. Imperialism:
   • His interventionist policies in Latin America and support for imperialist expansion drew criticism from anti-imperialists.
3. Limited Civil Rights Progress:
   • Despite symbolic gestures, Roosevelt’s administration did little to address systemic racial inequality.

End of Roosevelt’s Presidency

• Roosevelt chose not to seek re-election in 1908, honoring his earlier pledge not to run for a third term.
• Supported his Secretary of War, William Howard Taft, as his successor.

Legacy

1. Progressive Leadership:
   • Roosevelt expanded the role of the federal government to address economic and social challenges, setting the stage for future reforms.
2. Conservation Movement:
   • His environmental policies established the framework for modern conservation efforts.
3. Global Power:
   • Roosevelt’s foreign policies positioned the U.S. as a dominant force on the world stage.