Title: The progressive Presidents : Roosevelt, Wilson, Roosevelt, Johnson /
Authors: Blum, John Morton, 1921-; Chandler, Alfred D. 1918-2007,
Publisher: Norton,
Year: 1980
Subjects: Johnson, Lyndon B.; Roosevelt, Franklin D.; Roosevelt, Theodore,; Wilson, Woodrow,; Executive power United States; United States Politics and government
Abstract: Advocates of a strong versus a weak presidency have struggled throughout American history, but never so fiercely as in the twentieth century, which saw the rise of progressivism. This is the story of four progressive presidents, from the first Roosevelt, who himself brought plenty of backbone to the office, to Woodrow Wilson, who articulated the theory of a progressive presidency, to FDR, who brought it unique power, and finally, to Lyndon Johnson, who provided perhaps its last great surge in our century. In a time of progressive malaise, it is important to know the history, to see the benefits as well as the liabilities, in the progressive presidential tradition. That is the aim and achievement of this book. --From cover.
Contents: 1. Theodore Roosevelt and the definition of office -- 2. Woodrow Wilson and the ambiguities of reform -- 3. Franklin Roosevelt and the problem of priorities -- 4. Lyndon Johnson and the uncertainty legacy.