Taft's Policies Divide Progressives
In Grade 8 U.S. History, students study how President William Howard Taft's presidency disappointed many Progressives who had supported him as Roosevelt's chosen successor. Taft's handling of the tariff, his firing of Gifford Pinchot (head of the Forest Service), and his more conservative judicial appointments split the Progressive movement and led Roosevelt to challenge him for the 1912 Republican nomination. This topic is in California myWorld Interactive Grade 8, Chapter 9.
Key Concepts
Theodore Roosevelt chose William Howard Taft to be his successor. Taft continued some Progressive policies and actually broke up more trusts than Roosevelt did.
However, Taft angered many Progressives. He signed a bill that raised the tariff , a tax on imported goods, which many felt hurt consumers. He also made decisions that seemed to weaken conservation efforts. These actions made many people, including Roosevelt, feel that Taft was betraying Progressive goals.
Common Questions
Why did Taft divide the Progressive movement?
Taft disappointed Progressives by signing a high tariff bill, firing conservation chief Gifford Pinchot, pursuing antitrust cases selectively, and governing more conservatively than Roosevelt had, leading to a Progressive revolt.
Who was Gifford Pinchot and why was his firing significant?
Gifford Pinchot was the head of the U.S. Forest Service and a champion of conservation; his firing by Taft's Interior Secretary, supported by Taft, outraged Progressives who prized Roosevelt's conservation legacy.
How did the Taft-Roosevelt split affect the 1912 election?
When Roosevelt challenged Taft for the 1912 Republican nomination and lost, he ran as a third-party Progressive candidate, splitting the Republican vote and allowing Democrat Woodrow Wilson to win the presidency.
What chapter covers Taft and Progressives in California myWorld Interactive Grade 8?
Chapter 9: The Progressive Era covers how Taft's policies divided Progressives in California myWorld Interactive, Grade 8.