President Theodore Roosevelt became the twenty-sixth president of the United States of America in September 1901. During his term in office, many changes took place , reflecting his own social and political beliefs. beliefs. These social and political beliefs, along with the domestic policies of his administration, reflect how progressive he was as president. In this essay, I will first discuss what being progressive entails. I will then discuss Roosevelt's social and political beliefs as well as the domestic policies of his administration, which will reflect the extent to which Roosevelt can be associated with the progressive movement. Progressivism is a political orientation that emerged when education began to take precedence over religion in America. . Universities began teaching courses and subjects regardless of religion. Educated young people began to analyze society and feel that society as a whole was made up of people who were either poor foreigners or newly wealthy businessmen who they saw as lacking culture. Young people wanted to see more equality in wealth and a greater appreciation of culture and respect in society (Kuklick 2009). From these ideals, the progressive movement expanded to include those who supported its initial ideas. Those who aligned themselves with progressivism found themselves politically between those who were happy with the way things were going and the socialists. Those who were progressive wanted more egalitarian and just politics in society and wanted to end the patronage system in which the wealthy used corruption and bribery to maintain their power. However, they had their own ideas about what politics should be and wanted those in power to have the same beliefs as them, which meant they didn't trust everyone. They... middle of paper ... that there would be no favors for anyone who donated money to his campaign (Donald 2007). Roosevelt, in keeping with progressive thinking, had a passion for nature and wanted to see his cities clean and natural lands protected. Roosevelt's suggestion to create a Department of Commerce shows how he aimed to equalize power in society by ensuring that large corporations engage in legal and fair practices, which would ensure that large corporations do not take advantage of average citizens of the country's middle class. In conclusion, all of Theodore Roosevelt's social and political beliefs discussed above show how he could be considered progressive. In his expressions of what he believes socially and politically as well as in the issues he addresses in his administration, one can see how he aligns with the central ideas, beliefs and issues of the progressive movement..