Interpret the Evidence
What are the central elements of Theodore Roosevelt’s New Nationalism (Document 19.10)? What reforms does Roosevelt demand and how does he justify them?
According to Roosevelt, why are the people fit to govern themselves (Document 19.11)? How does he appeal to history to make his argument? Knowing that he was arguing against what he saw as overzealous courts, do you find his argument convincing?
How does Woodrow Wilson criticize the Progressive Party (Document 19.12)? What does he predict would happen if Roosevelt returned to the White House?
Why does Wilson criticize Roosevelt’s idea for a minimum wage (Document 19.13)? How does this critique demonstrate a difference between the New Nationalism and the New Freedom?
What did Eugene V. Debs envision as the ideal society (Document 19.14)? How does he characterize the other candidates?
Put It in Context
How do the ideas of Roosevelt, Wilson, and Debs exemplify the different strains of progressivism and social reform during the early twentieth century? Do their platforms share any similarities? If so, what are they?