Non-Progressive Indian Policies

Theodore Roosevelt was undoubtedly one of the most progressive presidents the United States has ever had in the executive office. Being catapulted into the White House upon the assassination of President McKinley, young Roosevelt (age 42), was able to lead the country into an era of significant change. Roosevelt was largely responsible for America becoming a world leader, the creation of national parks and forestlands, taking charge of trust-busting, and a plethora of domestic social reform. He achieved many accomplishments that no other presidents had done before him. “Theodore Roosevelt was the first President to leave the country while in office. He went to Panama to view the digging of the Panama Canal…Roosevelt was (also) awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end the Russo-Japanese War ” 1. His dynamic character as a hardnosed politician allowed for 19th century America to be transformed into most civilized 20th century nation in the world. It cannot be denied that President Theodore Roosevelt was the first progressive president that brought about profound change in America’s domestic and foreign policies. However, a closer investigation of Roosevelt’s conservation and Indian legislation leaves some people t