Progressivism is a social and political movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, aimed to address the challenges posed by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption in American society. (“US Department of State”) Several U.S. Presidents played an important role in advancing progressive ideas and implementing reforms during this period. The most significant Presidents associated with Progressivism are Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson. Each of them contributed to the movement's goals of promoting social welfare, regulating big business, and fostering democracy. Theodore Roosevelt, who served as President from 1901 to 1909, was a major figure in spreading Progressivism. His approach, known as the "Square Deal," focused on three major principles: controlling corporations, protecting consumers, and conserving natural resources. Roosevelt believed that the …show more content…
Recognizing the importance of protecting natural resources, he established the U.S. Forest Service and worked to create national parks, forests, and monuments. His efforts helped preserve millions of acres of land for future generations. Roosevelt’s successor, William Howard Taft, served as President from 1909 to 1913. Although he was often overshadowed by Roosevelt, he made significant contributions to Progressivism, particularly in trust-busting. He actually filed more antitrust lawsuits than Roosevelt, which demonstrated his commitment to restraining corporate power. However, his approach to Progressivism was more conservative. While he supported some progressive reforms, such as the regulation of railroads and tariffs, he was less aggressive in pushing for social changes. His signing of the Payne-Aldrich Tariff raised certain tariffs instead of lowering them, which led to a rift with Roosevelt and other progressives. Despite these setbacks, Taft’s presidency continued the drive for progressive