TR's Square Deal

1. How did Roosevelt create the modern presidency?

Roosevelt's strong leadership skills and bold publicity campaigns were the main things that were helpful in creating the modern presidency, as he became a model to future presidents. Roosevelt, unlike previous presidents, used his personality and popularity to advance his programs.

2. How did Roosevelt's intervention in a coal strike set a precedent for federal arbitration?

In 1902, 140 thousand coal miners went on a strike. Roosevelt thought it necessary to intervene, and with that thought, he called both sides to a meeting to deal with the strike, and an agreement came to be, where the miners received a 10% pay increase and a shorter workday of 9 hours. This action of Roosevelt set a precedent for federal arbitration as it soon became that the federal government was expected to intervene when a strike began to threaten the public welfare.

3. What did Roosevelt do to the trusts and railroads?

During his presidency, Roosevelt affected both trusts and railroads significantly. In 1902, he ordered the Justice Department to sure the Northern Securities Company, which had established a monopoly over railroads. Roosevelt had sought to curb the actions of those that hurt the public interest. Then in 1903, Roosevelt had helped to create the Elkins Act which made it illegal for railroad officials to give, and shippers to receive, rebates for using particular railroads. In 1906, he had to compromise with conservative senators who opposed the Hepburn Act, which strictly limited the distribution of free railroad passes, but its passage boosted the government's power to regulate the railroads.

4. What did legislation pass during Roosevelt's presidency that protected citizens?

Both the Meat Inspection Act and The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 protected citizens. The Meat Inspection Act protected citizens, as it gave the federal government the duty to inspect meat factories to insure quality meat every so often, which woul help to prevent citizens from getting sick from rancid meat. The Pure Food and Drug Act protected citizens, because it halted the sale of contaminate foods and medicines and called for the truth in labeling, which prevented people from getting sick or dying from food or medicines containing fatal ingredients.

5. What did Roosevelt do to protect the environment?

Advised by John Muir, Roosevelt set aside 148 million acres of land of forest reserves, and he also set aside 1.5 million acres of water-power sites and another 80 million acres of land that US Geological Survey would explore for mineral and water resources. He also established more than 50 wildlife sanctuaries and several national parks. He did all of this becayse he believed that America's resources were endless. All of this was very helpful in preserving and protecting the environment.