Final answer:
Roosevelt's "Square Deal" was his promise for progressive reform, focusing on regulating corporations, protecting consumers, and conserving natural resources. It defined his domestic agenda and helped secure his re-election in 1904. Effective and popular, it led to significant legislation that safeguarded public interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Square Deal” refers to his commitment to progressive reform during his presidency, particularly focusing on the three C’s: control over corporations, consumer protection, and conservation. This policy became a central feature of his domestic agenda and his re-election campaign in 1904, firmly epitomizing the belief that the federal government should act as a protector of public interests. Roosevelt’s Square Deal called for rigorous federal regulation to ensure fairness and prevent abuses by monopolies and unscrupulous businesses, contrasting with opponents who favored more state control. His overwhelming victory in the 1904 election validated his approach and set the stage for subsequent legislation, such as the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act, reinforcing his commitment to the Square Deal ideals.
Roosevelt’s approach to regulation was nuanced, aiming to differentiate between “good trusts” and those that harmed the public interest. His administration took legal action against several dominant trusts, earning him the nickname “trust buster”, which, paradoxically, increased his popularity among Progressive reformers. While enacting these reforms, Roosevelt also maintained relationships with moderate business leaders, further demonstrating his pragmatic approach to governance during his two terms in office.