Theodore Roosevelt Essay

From the very beginning of his time in the presidential spotlight, Theodore Roosevelt signified the Progressive goal and ambition. Often times, Roosevelt’s presidency is labeled as accidental or ironic. This irony is present in the fact that he was given the role of vice president to William McKinley simply because Roosevelt’s rising popularity and progressive ideals were seen as a threat by McKinley. The McKinley administration figured that they could silence the growing progressive voice Roosevelt embodied by giving him the menial position of vice president. So, it was seen as a shock when McKinley was suddenly assassinated, six months into his second term, and Roosevelt rose to power bringing with him new excitement and power to the Presidency (Theodore Roosevelt ). It is exactly this surge of excitement and charisma which made Roosevelt one of America’s most unforgettable presidents. His presidential career and attitude can be described by the phrase “steward of the people” which he aimed to embody throughout his term, this meant that Roosevelt made his primary goal to maintain the public good to the fullest extent of his power (Theodore Roosevelt ). Roosevelt’s character and contributions to the Progressive campaign are both equally important parts of American history and will be explored throughout this paper.
As a fairly progressive President, Roosevelt’s platform revolved around what he called the “Square Deal”. This deal was founded upon three basic ideas known as the three C’s: conservation of natural resources, consumer protection, and corporation regulation. It is these three ideas which effectively describe all of Roosevelt’s many influential reforms. To begin, Roosevelt made great strides in the name of conservat...

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...s than sanitary conditions of the meat packing industry, Roosevelt initiated the passing of the Food and Drug Act (1906) and the Meat Inspection Act (1906) which both had goals of purifying the food and regulating food processing. Roosevelt’s passion for pursuing social issues is best surmised by Roosevelt’s promise to 4,000 Philadelphians that he would “translate knowledge of social needs into action” (Times, 1913).
It can be said without a doubt that Roosevelt’s legacy was one of long-reaching economical, social, and political effects, such as the precedents set for conservation efforts and regulation of corporations. Roosevelt is also responsible for fathering an era which marked the true beginning of activism and active government intervention in social issues. President Roosevelt and his reforms are hugely relevant to the way in which society functions today.