To What Extent Was Theodore Roosevelt A Liberal Or Conservative

While Theodore Roosevelt considered himself conservative, he went down in history as a progressive president. He definitely had a deep sense of history but also realized that with how America was transforming into a business and industry-run country, change had to come. This is why Roosevelt came up with a “Square Deal” meaning everyone was dealt with fairly. He knew that America was changing, and his main goal was to treat the people of America fairly. We will be discussing how he did so with trusts, labor, food and drug, and conservation. About trusts, Roosevelt was often called a trust-buster. He made sure to do away with bad trusts, but regulate good trusts. For example, J. P. Morgan’s Northern Securities Company (Railroad Trust) was shut down by Roosevelt. Morgan

He even stated that he “draws the line at misconduct not against wealth.” About labor, Roosevelt was very concerned about how the people were getting treated and the reasons for the strikes happening around the country. In 1902, United Mine Workers went on strike for an 8 hour work day, a 20% wage increase, and recognition of their union. So to break up the strike, Roosevelt invited the miners, union, and mine owners to the White House. Unfortunately, the mine owners were embarrassed and hostile to the mine workers and did not give lee way to any of their ideas. So Roosevelt threatened that he would send in the army so that they could take over the mines and people could have coal for the upcoming winter time. So the owners compromised and gave the workers a 9 hour workday, 10% wage increase, but no recognition of their union. But Roosevelt had stated that “better half a loaf than none.” When it came to food and drugs, Roosevelt was also very active. On this topic, especially, people are treated very unfairly. There were no safety measures during this time protecting food and drug production. In 1906, a man named Upton Sinclair wrote a book called The