The Progressive Presidents: Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson

CrashCourse

In this installment of Crash Course US History, John Green explores the Progressive Era through the lens of three key presidents: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson. The video examines how the role of the federal government expanded significantly during the early 20th century, moving away from laissez-faire economics toward active regulation of big business and protection of social welfare. It contrasts the differing political philosophies of the time, such as Roosevelt's "New Nationalism" versus Wilson's "New Freedom," while highlighting the chaotic four-way election of 1912. The video delves deeply into the foreign policies of these presidents, challenging the notion that Progressivism was solely a domestic movement. It details the "Big Stick" diplomacy of Roosevelt, the "Dollar Diplomacy" of Taft, and the "Moral Diplomacy" of Wilson, showing how each led to increased U.S. intervention in Latin America and the Caribbean. Specific historical events like the construction of the Panama Canal, the occupation of Veracruz, and the pursuit of Pancho Villa are used to illustrate the contradictions between American ideals of freedom and its imperialistic actions abroad. This resource is highly valuable for high school history classrooms, particularly AP US History, as it synthesizes complex political and economic concepts into an engaging narrative. It provides concrete examples of federal legislation (like the Clayton Antitrust Act and the Federal Reserve Act) and constitutional amendments (16th, 17th, 18th, 19th) that reshaped American society. Teachers can use this video to spark discussions on the definition of the "modern presidency," the balance between liberty and government control, and the historical roots of American foreign policy.