The over-arching theme of chapter 28 is that reformers called “Progressives” sought to clean up America on behalf of the people. Teddy Roosevelt became the best-known and most active Progressive.

1. The Progressives grew out of the Populist (or People’s) Party and sought to correct injustices.
2. Progressives and “muckraker” writers attacked city corruption, corporate greed, poor living and working conditions, alcohol, and women’s right to vote. Each of these ills saw laws and/or Amendments passed to attempt to better the condition.
3. Teddy Roosevelt made a name for himself as a “trust-buster”. That is, he broke up a few high-profile companies that he said were monopolies (or trusts). Busting trusts and thus creating competition was to benefit the average person.
4. He also obtained huge tracts of land, usually out West, for parks and conservation.
5. Roosevelt picked Taft to follow him, but Taft began to stray from Roosevelt’s ways and the two split.