History 261 Section 7A: Documents on Progressivism (Discussion Project #3)

 

Discussion Project (due at the end of Section 7A): Bring to class a one-page (maximum), single-spaced typed response to the following question:

 

In Murdering McKinley, Eric Rauchway defines Theodore Roosevelt's philosophy as "progressive liberalism" (96) and argues that this involved "implementing radical changes for conservative purposes" (93). Historians have long debated how to characterize the reform movements and reformist politics of the Progressive Era—illustrated here by Rauchway's application of four different political labels to Roosevelt's agenda (progressive, liberal, radical, conservative).

 

For Discussion Project #3, write a response paper that offers your own analysis of how to characterize "Progressivism." Base your response on the evidence and arguments found in Murdering McKinley (feel welcome to critique or revise Rauchway's thesis rather than simply summarizing his findings). Also, read these excerpts from three speeches by Teddy Roosevelt before writing your response, and base your analysis on these primary documents as well.

 

**Theodore Roosevelt, "True Americanism" (1894)

 

**Theodore Roosevelt, "State of the Union Message" (1901)

**Theodore Roosevelt, "State of the Union Message" (Dec. 3, 1905)