TR Encyclopedia
Politics and Government
Theodore Roosevelt’s political career spanned more than three decades. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1881 and formed the Progressive Party in 1912. Learn more about the important topics, events, and people in Roosevelt’s political life.
Addams, Jane
Jane Addams was the first American woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize and was a pioneer in the field of social work. She was also a prominent political activist and advocate of women’s suffrage who played a leading role in Theodore Roosevelt’s 1912 presidential campaign.
Aldrich, Nelson Wilmarth
Nelson Wilmarth Aldrich was the powerful senior Republican Senator from Rhode Island during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency.
Cannon, Joseph Gurney
Joseph Gurney Cannon was the influential Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives during most of Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency.
Dear Maria Controversy
The “Dear Maria” controversy concerned the separation of church and state in regards to President Roosevelt’s endorsement of a Catholic archbishop for elevation to the position of cardinal.
Fairbanks, Charles W.
Charles W. Fairbanks (1852-1918) served as Theodore Roosevelt’s vice president from the inaugural in 1905 until the end of Roosevelt’s four-year term in 1909.
Hanna, Marcus Alonzo
Marcus Alonzo Hanna (1837-1904), a wealthy Ohio industrialist, political organizer, and United States Senator, epitomized the close relationship that existed between the titans of industry and politicians during America’s Gilded Age.
Henderson, David Bremner
David Bremner Henderson served as Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 56th and 57th Congresses—which included President Theodore Roosevelt’s first term—until Henderson’s surprise resignation in 1903.
Kellor, Frances
Frances Kellor’s national status as an immigration expert drew President Roosevelt’s attention and she became part of his “Female Brain Trust” with Jane Addams and Florence Kelley.
La Follette, Robert Marion, Sr.
Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette (1855-1925), a progressive reformer from Wisconsin, resisted the corrupt influence of railroads, utilities, and large corporations. Like other early twentieth century activists, he challenged fellow citizens to take control of the machinery of government.
Loeb, William, Jr.
William Loeb Jr. began as a stenographer for Theodore Roosevelt and became, by 1903, his private secretary, a trusted assistant and advisor, widely recognized as Roosevelt’s “right-hand man.”
New Nationalism
Theodore Roosevelt’s 1910 speech at Osawatomie, Kansas, set out his political ideas of “New Nationalism,” which he would carry into the Progressive Party and the 1912 presidential campaign.
Simms, Ruth Hanna McCormick
Ruth Hanna McCormick Simms was a United States Representative from Illinois and a prominent advocate for women’s suffrage.
Smoot, Reed
Reed Smoot was a Republican Senator from Utah for whom Theodore Roosevelt’s support was necessary to ensure his being seated in the Senate.
Square Deal
The Square Deal is the name given to Theodore Roosevelt’s domestic legislative program.
Tammany Hall
Tammany Hall was an important facet of the New York City political landscape, both serving a role as a source of support for recent immigrants and becoming the quintessential example of political corruption and machine politics during the Gilded Age.