In this lecture, Professor Totten argues President's Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson helped see Progressive reforms become law under their respective administrations. Roosevelt managed to pass meaningful railroad regulations and health standards that vastly improved people's lives. Under Taft's administration, numerous monopolies were broken up, but he butted heads with the retired Roosevelt, over his handling of conservation. This split within the GOP allowed the Democrat Woodrow Wilson to emerge victories in the election of 1912. In that election, both Roosevelt and the socialist Eugene Debs conducted third and fourth party runs that influenced the contest. Wilson's administration continued his predecessor's reform efforts, though he also segregated federal offices. In the end, Wilson was a successful president and managed to be reelected in 1916, after his campaign emphasized his efforts to keep America out of the First World War. However, international events, would soon drag the United States into the Great War.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/history-of-the-american-people-since-1877/donations