An Autobiography · Question
How does An Autobiography develop the theme of Political Reform and Anti-Corruption?
Answer
An Autobiography by Theodore Roosevelt develops Political Reform and Anti-Corruption across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Roosevelt details his efforts to reform the civil service, police department, and trust regulation, advocating for merit-based appointments and government control over corporate power to ensure a 'Square Deal'.
Roosevelt details his fight against corrupt politicians and financiers, emphasizing the need for clean conduct and practical efficiency in rooting out abuse.
Roosevelt's fight against the spoils system and his efforts to implement merit-based civil service exams exemplify anti-corruption reform.
Roosevelt's central mission to remove partisan politics from the police department and fight corruption, including smashing corrupt contractors.
Evidence in the book
- Practical Politics
Roosevelt details his fight against corrupt politicians and financiers, emphasizing the need for clean conduct and practical efficiency in rooting out abuse.
- Applied Idealism
Roosevelt's fight against the spoils system and his efforts to implement merit-based civil service exams exemplify anti-corruption reform.
- VI: The New York Police
Roosevelt's central mission to remove partisan politics from the police department and fight corruption, including smashing corrupt contractors.
- VII: The War of America the Unready
Roosevelt criticizes the 'foolish peace people' and politicians who kept the nation weak while engaging in bluster, advocating for a policy of righteous war over unrighteous peace.
- VIII: The New York Governorship
Roosevelt's fight against the boss system and corporate influence in politics, exemplified by his push for the franchise tax bill and his refusal to let Platt dictate appointments.
- Appendix A: The Trusts, the People, and the Square Deal
Roosevelt criticizes political appointments of game wardens and calls for merit-based, efficient administration of state lands.
- Appendix B: The Control of Corporations and 'The New Freedom'
Roosevelt's efforts to advance good legislation while navigating machine politics and corporate opposition.
- The Presidency; Making an Old Party Progressive
Roosevelt discusses his fight against land thieves, his use of executive power to protect public lands, and his opposition to the 'commercialized ideals' of many politicians.
