SQUARE DEAL
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th Chief Executive, embraced progressivism and looked to how he could improve the nation. Although he had already created the concept of good versus bad trusts, the major opportunity to shine was the Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902. During this strike, the United Mine Workers refused to report to work until their wages were increased. However, largely ignored at the beginning of their protest, they became a central focal point when winter came and people were finding a severe shortage of coal, which was used to heat homes. The mine owners, who refused to even discuss a possible solution to the issue that was threatening the general welfare of the nation, held the upper hand.
Believing that the dispute must be settled, TR demanded that both sides submit to arbitration, a process in which an impartial third party decides on a legally binding solution. However, the mine owners were still hesitant. TR, embracing his role as enforcing law, threatened to use the U.S. Army to seize and operate the mines. Via arbitration, the workers received a ten percent wage increase and a reduced workday from ten to nine hours. However, the owners were victorious in blocking collective bargaining and the recognition of the union by the owners. Thus, the cause of the Square Deal was TR's embracement of progressive ideology and the opportunity to demonstrate what his called a Square Deal, a fair arrangement to a troubling situation where both sides compromised and received some concessions. After this successful use of arbitration, the Republican party decided to use this term as a campaign slogan in 1904, which resulted in an easy reelection for the Bull Moose.
The effect of the Square Deal was a mandate, the authority of the constituency to act as a representative, in the Presidential Election of 1904. Leaning against this position of strength, TR targeted on the regulation of railroads, food, and environment.
Believing that the dispute must be settled, TR demanded that both sides submit to arbitration, a process in which an impartial third party decides on a legally binding solution. However, the mine owners were still hesitant. TR, embracing his role as enforcing law, threatened to use the U.S. Army to seize and operate the mines. Via arbitration, the workers received a ten percent wage increase and a reduced workday from ten to nine hours. However, the owners were victorious in blocking collective bargaining and the recognition of the union by the owners. Thus, the cause of the Square Deal was TR's embracement of progressive ideology and the opportunity to demonstrate what his called a Square Deal, a fair arrangement to a troubling situation where both sides compromised and received some concessions. After this successful use of arbitration, the Republican party decided to use this term as a campaign slogan in 1904, which resulted in an easy reelection for the Bull Moose.
The effect of the Square Deal was a mandate, the authority of the constituency to act as a representative, in the Presidential Election of 1904. Leaning against this position of strength, TR targeted on the regulation of railroads, food, and environment.
- Hepburn Act: Legislative piece approved in 1906 that allowed the ICC, Interstate Commerce Commission, to establish maximum rates if concerns were submitted by shippers regarding fair prices.
- Meat Inspection Act: Another piece of 1906 legislation that allowed the government to determine the quality of meat, especially beef. Today, we know this rating scale as Grade A, Grade B, etc.
- Pure Food and Drug Act: This forced companies to accurately label what was found in their product.
- Trust Buster: TR was known for attacking trusts that be viewed as "bad." Viewing the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 as toothless, TR felt it was his obligation to ensure a Square Deal by targeting major holding companies and trusts. The Northern Securities case of 1904, established that a railroad monopoly could not exist at the expense of the consumer. He continued his attack during his second term by placing the spotlight on the beef trust, Standard Oil, and the American Tobacco Company.
- Although Presidents Harrison and Cleveland had led the path to preserving the public domain. TR expanded this protection by forming the United States Forest Service and naming Gifford Pinchot as its first leader in 1905. Thus, the Square Deal was applied by the environment when the Chief Executive chose to enforce the law via a new cabinet post. Another step taken by TR was the National Reclamation Act in 1902 that attempted to reclaim lands via irrigation projects.