The Progressive Era, spanning from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, was characterized by various social and economic changes in America. Three presidents of the era stand out: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson. In my opinion, the most successful of these presidents was Theodore Roosevelt.
Roosevelt was the first president of the Progressive Era and came to power after the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901. One of his key achievements was the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, which required that all food and drug products be accurately labeled and safe for consumption. This act established the FDA and helped to ensure that consumers were not being sold dangerous or mislabeled products.
Roosevelt also worked to regulate monopolies and ensure fair competition, passing the Elkins Act and the Hepburn Act, which gave the Interstate Commerce Commission the power to regulate railroads. His conservation efforts were also noteworthy. Roosevelt established the United States Forest Service and signed the Antiquities Act, which allowed him to establish national parks, forests, and monuments. He also worked to establish the Panama Canal, which helped to promote trade and improve transportation.
In addition to these specific accomplishments, Roosevelt's leadership style was one of the most effective of any president in history. He was known for his energetic and charismatic personality, and he used his position to push for social and economic reforms that benefited the American people. He was willing to take on powerful interests and was not afraid to challenge the status quo, making him a champion of the progressive movement.
Overall, Theodore Roosevelt's accomplishments and leadership during the Progressive Era make him the most successful president of the time. He implemented significant reforms that helped to improve the quality of life for Americans, and his legacy as a progressive reformer continues to be celebrated today.