3. Progressivism takes shape, 1901–1908

‘Progressivism takes shape, 1901–1908’ charts the development of progressivism in the first decade of the twentieth century. After William McKinley was shot in 1901, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt took office. In his seven years in charge he endeared himself to the public by championing fairness. However, Roosevelt also embodied the negative aspects of progressivism, believing in the superiority of the Anglo–Saxon race and other ‘scientific racism’ concepts. As well as Theodore Roosevelt's reforms, supporters all around the country were instigating reforms in fields such as sanitation and education. It was this large army of followers, as much as the political leaders of the day, who allowed progressivism to mature.