The New Nationalism by Theodore Roosevelt: A Comprehensive Study Guide

Theodore Roosevelt's "The New Nationalism" was a speech delivered in 1910 in Osawatomie, Kansas. In this speech, Roosevelt outlined his vision for a new era of American politics, arguing that the government should play a more active role in regulating the economy and protecting the rights of workers and consumers.

The New Nationalism was a significant departure from the laissez-faire policies that had dominated American politics for much of the 19th century. Roosevelt believed that the government had a responsibility to ensure that the benefits of economic growth were shared more equitably, and that it should take steps to protect the environment and natural resources.

Study Guide for Theodore Roosevelt's The New Nationalism

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Roosevelt's ideas were met with resistance from both conservatives and liberals. Conservatives argued that the government should not interfere in the economy, while liberals argued that Roosevelt's policies did not go far enough in addressing the problems of poverty and inequality.

Despite the opposition, Roosevelt's ideas had a significant impact on American politics. The New Nationalism helped to lay the foundation for the Progressive Era, a period of reform that lasted from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. The Progressive Era saw the passage of a number of important laws, including the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Pure Food and Drug Act, and the Clayton Act.

The following study guide provides a comprehensive overview of "The New Nationalism." It includes a summary of the speech, a discussion of the key themes, and a list of important quotes.

Summary of "The New Nationalism"

In "The New Nationalism," Roosevelt argues that the government should play a more active role in regulating the economy. He believes that the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few corporations is a threat to democracy and that the government must take steps to break up these monopolies.

Roosevelt also argues that the government has a responsibility to protect the rights of workers and consumers. He believes that the government should establish minimum wages and maximum hours, and that it should protect workers from unsafe working conditions.

Finally, Roosevelt argues that the government has a responsibility to protect the environment and natural resources. He believes that the government should regulate the use of natural resources and that it should protect the nation's forests, rivers, and other natural treasures.

Key Themes in "The New Nationalism"

• The need for government regulation: Roosevelt believes that the government must play a more active role in regulating the economy in order to prevent the concentration of wealth and protect the rights of workers and consumers.
• The importance of social justice: Roosevelt believes that the government has a responsibility to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared more equitably, and that it should take steps to address the problems of poverty and inequality.
• The value of natural resources: Roosevelt believes that the nation's natural resources are a precious asset that must be protected for future generations.

Important Quotes from "The New Nationalism"

• "The man who counsels caution in the face of crookedness should remember that crookedness is very fertile, and if allowed to grow unchecked will presently make its nest in the parlor."
• "It is not enough for us to turn away with horror from the things that are evil. We must be banded together to do the things that are right; and the only way we can do the things that are right is to act, to exert an influence."
• "We must face the fact that there are many evil things in the world that we cannot cure at once, but the only way we can cure them at all is by attacking them, by seeing what there is in them that makes them evil, and then trying our best to change them."

"The New Nationalism" is a seminal work of American political thought. It is a powerful and persuasive argument for the need for government action to address the problems of economic inequality and social injustice. Roosevelt's ideas had a significant impact on American politics, and they continue to resonate with us today.

Study Guide for Theodore Roosevelt's The New Nationalism

by Course Hero

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	843 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	128 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE