Roosevelt vs. Wilson

Attribute	Roosevelt	Wilson
Presidential Term	1901-1909	1913-1921
Political Party	Republican	Democratic
Foreign Policy	Big Stick Diplomacy	Moral Diplomacy
Progressive Reforms	Square Deal	New Freedom
Trust-Busting	Implemented Antitrust Laws	Enforced Antitrust Laws
Conservation	Established National Parks	Created National Park Service
Income Tax	Implemented Progressive Income Tax	Signed Federal Income Tax into Law
Women's Suffrage	Supported Women's Suffrage	Signed 19th Amendment

Introduction

When discussing the progressive era in American history, two prominent figures often come to mind: Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Both Roosevelt and Wilson served as presidents during this transformative period, each leaving a lasting impact on the nation. While they shared some similarities in their progressive ideologies, their approaches and policies differed significantly. This article aims to compare and contrast the attributes of Roosevelt and Wilson, shedding light on their leadership styles, domestic policies, and foreign affairs.

Leadership Styles

Roosevelt, known for his energetic and charismatic personality, was a natural leader who believed in the power of the presidency to shape the nation. He was a strong advocate for the "stewardship theory," which argued that the president should take any action necessary for the public good unless explicitly prohibited by the Constitution. This approach allowed Roosevelt to assert executive power and push for progressive reforms such as trust-busting and conservation efforts.

On the other hand, Wilson had a more intellectual and academic leadership style. He believed in the power of ideas and sought to implement his vision through legislation and diplomacy. Wilson's leadership was characterized by his ability to articulate his ideas effectively, as seen in his famous Fourteen Points speech outlining his vision for post-World War I peace. He emphasized the importance of moral diplomacy and the spread of democracy, aiming to make the world "safe for democracy."

Domestic Policies

Roosevelt's domestic policies were centered around his progressive agenda, often referred to as the "Square Deal." He believed in regulating big business to protect consumers and workers, leading to the establishment of the Department of Commerce and Labor and the enforcement of antitrust laws. Roosevelt also championed conservation efforts, creating national parks and forests to preserve America's natural resources for future generations.

Similarly, Wilson pursued progressive reforms during his presidency, which he called the "New Freedom." He focused on breaking up monopolies and promoting fair competition through the passage of the Clayton Antitrust Act. Wilson also implemented significant financial reforms, such as the creation of the Federal Reserve System, to stabilize the economy and prevent future financial crises.

While both presidents shared a commitment to progressive ideals, their approaches differed. Roosevelt believed in a more active role for the federal government, using executive power to push for reforms. In contrast, Wilson favored legislative action and believed in empowering the people through democratic processes.

Foreign Affairs

Roosevelt's foreign policy was characterized by his famous motto, "speak softly and carry a big stick." He believed in projecting American power and influence on the global stage, intervening in Latin American affairs to protect American interests. Roosevelt's most notable foreign policy achievement was the construction of the Panama Canal, which facilitated trade and naval mobility between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Wilson, on the other hand, pursued a more idealistic approach to foreign affairs. He advocated for "moral diplomacy," which aimed to promote democracy and human rights worldwide. Wilson's most significant foreign policy accomplishment was his involvement in the creation of the League of Nations, an international organization designed to prevent future wars and promote collective security.

While Roosevelt focused on expanding American influence through military strength, Wilson sought to shape the world through diplomacy and the spread of democratic values. Their differing approaches to foreign affairs reflected their distinct leadership styles and ideologies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Roosevelt and Wilson were two influential presidents who left a lasting impact on the progressive era in American history. While both shared a commitment to progressive reforms, their leadership styles, domestic policies, and foreign affairs strategies differed significantly. Roosevelt's energetic and assertive leadership style allowed him to push for progressive reforms through executive action, while Wilson's intellectual and diplomatic approach emphasized legislative action and international cooperation. Understanding the attributes of these two presidents helps shed light on the complexities of the progressive era and the diverse approaches taken to shape the nation and the world.