National Politics during the Progressive Era

Learning Objectives

1. Explain the importance of national Progressive political leaders such as Teddy Roosevelt. Describe Roosevelt’s philosophy about the role of the federal government at home and abroad.
2. Describe the way the federal government sought to resolve conflicts between labor and management and prevent monopolies during the Progressive Era. Explain how this strategy compares to the ways government dealt with trusts and labor disputes in the past.
3. Summarize the presidential election of 1912. Explain the reasons for Wilson’s victory and the role Roosevelt played as a third-party candidate. Also, explain why nearly a million voters supported the candidacy of Eugene Debs. Explain the ideas and goals of the Socialist Party and how they compared to those of the Progressives.