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How did both populists and progressives react when Theodore Roosevelt became president?

User Scopey
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Final answer:

Theodore Roosevelt garnered support from Progressives due to his advocacy for Progressive reforms during his presidency, but his formation of the Progressive Party in 1912 divided Republican votes and enabled Democrat Woodrow Wilson to win the election. While the Progressive Party did not last long, its ideas continued to shape American policy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Populists and Progressives had distinct reactions to Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, reflecting their own ideologies and goals. Roosevelt's presidency emboldened the Progressive movement as he advocated for federal intervention and regulation, aligning himself with key Progressive reforms such as business regulation, labor rights, and environmental conservation. His actions as president, particularly his commitment to Progressive principles like the regulation of big business and support of labor in capital disputes, positioned him as an ally to many in the Progressive camp, which included former Populists and Democrats who had started to adopt Progressive reforms.

Despite Roosevelt's alignment with certain Progressive and populist goals, his decision to form the Progressive Party in 1912 split the Republican vote, allowing Democrat Woodrow Wilson to win the presidency. This election cycle cemented the influence of Progressive ideas on both parties' platforms, although the Progressive Party itself faded shortly thereafter, with many of its members returning to the Republican fold. Notably, many of Roosevelt's Progressive policies continued to influence U.S. politics and governance through Wilson's presidency.

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