In the early 20th century, the United States entered an era of industrialization. As cities emerged, the center of population was shifted from rural to urban areas. The industry of Agriculture was put on the back-burners as the time of the wealthy businessman had arrived. Theodore Roosevelt was a man who dedicated much of his presidency to protect Agriculture, protect consumers, and control corporations. Trusts and Monopolies are examples of partnerships that were harmful to the average consumer. They were formed to raise prices and gain maximum profits for businessmen-- bringing money into their pockets and out of those belonging to middle and low class citizens.

       Breaking trusts and weakening monopolies was TR's passion. He believed that the average consumer should be protected from increasing prices. His goals focused on placing power back into the hands of the people of the United States. The word "power" was one of TR's most frequently used words in his inaugural address-- which I tied to his actions as a trust-buster.

       Roosevelt's successor, William Howard Taft, is known to have shared similar policies with TR. This is because TR and Taft had become good friends throughout their political years, and TR wanted Taft to pass on his ideas after he left office. The duo worked together to determine what actions Taft would take to limit business control in the United States once he was sworn into office.

       In Taft's inaugural address, some of the most frequently used terms were "business" and "secure." Business refers to the dedication that he and Roosevelt shared to limiting the power of corporations. The word secure could be used to describe a multitude of political ideas. But, I believe Taft was directing attention to the necessity of protecting the consumer, and securing their financial interests.

       Because Taft and Roosevelt had similar priorities, their inaugural speeches had many striking similarities. They would not stand for a country in which business rules, and the people are taken advantage of.