The Progressive Era (1900-1920)
*the effort to make changes in the American political system
*the progressive movement opposed corruption and inefficiency in government and wanted to make government more responsive to the voters
*government intervention does not necessarily equate with political progress.
Capitalism
*the power / the capital is the people
*anti-government sentiment
*gave rise to individualism
*people had the incentive to work, not lazy and the economy grows
*the economy was spurred and increased America's hegemony (dominant influence and authority over others; the dominating influence of one over another, especially by one society or one nation over others. Supremacy, dominion, power or control by one nation over others.)
*America's wealth booms / massive prosperity. The valuation of America in 1800 was $8 billion. It increased to $88 billion by 1900.
*people became prideful
Con - people began their own ideologies
Con - forsaking their morals / Christianity
Pro - Using their God given rights
Pro - Everyone deserves life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
Capitalism is a social system based on the recognition of individual rights, including property rights, in which all property is privately owned.
Under capitalism the state is separated from economics (production and trade), just like the state is separated from religion.
Capitalism is the system of laissez faire. It is the system of political freedom.
Economic individualism’s basic premise is that the
pursuit of self-interest and the right to own private property are
morally defensible and legally legitimate. Its major corollary is that
the state exists to protect individual rights. Subject to certain
restrictions, individuals (alone or with others) are free to decide
where to invest, what to produce or sell, and what prices to charge.
There is no natural limit to the range of their efforts in terms of
assets, sales, and profits;
or the number of customers, employees, and investors; or whether they
operate in local, regional, national, or international markets.
Teddy Roosevelt (the patriot - 26th president)
*the youngest to become president at age 42, the most popular president of early 1900s
1. The Spanish American War (1898)
*fearless leader, calvary regiment "rough riders"
*built up the military
*the "Great White Fleet" sailed the world showing military strength
*"peace through strength" TR -> RR
*"speak softly and carry a big stick"
*Atlantic ocean and Pacific Ocean protecting America - difficult for the enemies to form an attack
*Monroe Doctrine in effect
2. Broke company trusts
*Monopolies were broken
*promotes economic well being of America
*competition leads to economic growth
*companies have an incentive to be better and cheaper
3. National parks
*conservation of natural resources
William Howard Taft (27th president)
Woodrow Wilson (28th president)
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