How Did Theodore Roosevelt Support Progressive Reform?
President Theodore Roosevelt supported Progressive reform through his efforts to enact government, welfare and conservation legislation. The reforms instituted by his administration continue to protect the safety and enhance the well-being of those residing in the United States.
According to the Heritage Foundation, President Roosevelt committed his administration to ending trusts that allowed large industrial corporations to maintain a hold on trade. Roosevelt’s use of the Sherman Antitrust Act to win a ruling against Northern Securities Company, his filing of more than 40 anti-trust lawsuits, his break up of railroad and oil companies, and his establishment of the Interstate Commerce Commission all earned him the reputation as a “trust buster.” During his time in office, Roosevelt also actively pursued and enacted laws governing food, drug and meat inspection, investigation of child labor conditions and labor issues such as employer liability and minimum wage.
Another of Roosevelt’s Progressive reforms was the conservation of 230 million acres of natural forests, reserves and wildlife habitats through a system of responsible land development, use and maintenance. He also established the designation of important sites and geographic locations as national monuments. The lasting effects of Roosevelt’s commitment to Progressive reforms are reflected in the policies of presidents who followed in his footsteps and worked to improve public welfare.
