Progressivism began as a political movement with a belief in government intervention. Progressives wanted to protect people's rights from corruption and combat the effects of industrialization. They appealed for social justice with causes such as women's suffrage and environmental protection. In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt formed a separate progressive party nicknamed the "Bull Moose Party". Roosevelt used this as a vehicle to run for president against William Howard Taft, although he was defeated, the Progressive Party continued to exist as a separate force until 1916. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay On the one hand Theodore Roosevelt was the most important factor in the development of progressivism as he was much more proactive than his predecessors with his progressive beliefs. With the Republican Party originally siding with big business, Roosevelt was considered a controversial president, choosing instead to impose antitrust measures to protect small businesses and because of his attacks on corruption. He devoted himself to environmental issues, being the first president to realize that natural sources were not infinite, and in his years in office he protected nearly 280 million acres. Roosevelt's antitrust measures used the Sherman Act to try to control the trusts, for example by preventing Northern Securities from controlling too many railroads. He then brought 44 antitrust lawsuits, including American Tobacco and Standard Oil. Roosevelt then achieved more success in 1902 when he forced arbitration in the anthracite coal strike. Roosevelt summoned both stranded miners who went on strike for better wages and employers to Washington where he told employers to accept arbitration or he would send troops to work in the mines. As a result, Roosevelt raised wages and offered a nine-hour day to miners. Thanks to these actions and his antitrust measures, Roosevelt became very popular among the working classes and was seen expanding the role of government to achieve justice and fairness, which was what progressivism stood for. On the other hand, Roosevelt was not the most important factor in the development of progressivism with other factors such as the democratic successes of Woodrow Wilson and the legislations of William Howard Taft. Taft continued Republican dominance over the Democrats for another four years and carried forward Roosevelt's antitrust policies, introducing the 8-hour workday for public employees and mine safety legislation. He also supported the elimination of child labor by passing the Department of Labor into law. However Woodrow Wilson was considered much more progressive than Taft as Wilson was an organized and skilled politician who supported a stronger central government and adopted many progressive ideas in his policies, such as fighting for antitrust legislation and workers' rights. Wilson's foreign policy emphasized the need for a peaceful and ethical approach to foreign affairs and established the Federal Reserve system to reform the national economy. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Customize EssayIn conclusion, many factors were important in the development of progressivism, such as William Howard Taft's elimination of child labor and his continuation of Roosevelt's antitrust policies, and Woodrow Wilson's Federal Reserve system and developed antitrust legislations . However, it can be argued that Theodore Roosevelt is.