During the Progressive era, the administrative decisions of Theodore Roosevelt, William H. Taft, and Woodrow Wilson affected the course of the time period. The three presidents dealt with issues in distinctly different manners. The foreign policies enacted by these presidents were the basis of the era. The issue concerning the standard of living was addressed during their terms of office. Politically, industrial policies varied between the presidents. Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy paved the way for expansionism in the United States.
As McKinley’s successor, Theodore Roosevelt firmly established his foreign policy through the motto “speak softly and carry a big stick.” Through the aggressive tactic of foregoing Congress’ approval in regards to Panama the U.S. gained control of the Canal Zone (1903).
Roosevelt’s policy toward industry was his “Square Deal” policy. In this policy he favored neither business nor labor in disputes. When it came to monopolies and trusts Roosevelt strictly enforced the Sherman Antitrust Act. He created the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) and under the Elkins Act of 1903 the ICC was able to stop railroads from granting rebates to favored customers. Under the Hepburn Act (1906) the ICC could fix rates on the railroads. Like Roosevelt, Taft continued the Progressive policies. During his presidency, Taft dealt with twice the number antitrust cases than Roosevelt. He attacked U.S. Steel and passed two measures, the Mann-Elkins Act (1910) and the 16 amendment. The first act gave the ICC the power to suspend new rates on railroads and it allowed them to oversee the telephone, teleg
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