When you think of the so-called “progressive” movement, you may be thinking of a phenomenon that got its start in the 1960s. You might think of hippies, most Democrats, McGovern, Carter, Clinton or most recently, Obama. What if I told you that when I think of the “progressive” movement, I think of the early 1900s, Republicans and Theodore D. Roosevelt? Would you be surprised by my answer? If you are, don’t be. Yes, “progressivism” really started taking a firm hold in the United States in the early 1900s and it started with a Republican by the name of Theodore Roosevelt.

Historical Reference:

Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States

Theodore Roosevelt and Domestic Affairs

Teddy Roosevelt and the Progressive Era, 1901-1908

Progressivism and Teddy Roosevelt

Yes, TDR was known as “The Great Regulator”, among other things. Was that a good thing or a bad thing? You be the judge.