Ideas and influence of Bryan, Roosevelt and Taft; Populism, Progressivism and Wilson's New Freedom
Between the 1890s and 1916, a series of politicians challenged the power of big business and corrupt government. Bryan, Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson each pushed different versions of reform — from Populism to Progressivism to Wilson's New Freedom programme.
Real World
Theodore Roosevelt's 1902 intervention in the coal miners' strike — where he threatened to nationalise the mines if owners refused arbitration — marked a turning point; no previous president had treated labour and capital as equals before the federal government, embodying Progressive belief in an active state.
Exam Focus
Distinguish clearly between Populism (rural, economic grievances, 1890s) and Progressivism (urban, middle-class, broader reform agenda, 1900s) — conflating them is a common exam error.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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