American Progressivism New Deal liberalism Educational progressivism Progressive libertarianism Democracy Freedom Positive liberty Women's suffrage Economic progressivism Economic intervention Mixed economy Social justice Worker rights Welfare of Society Social progressivism Conservation Efficiency The Square Deal The New Nationalism The New Freedom The New Deal The Fair Deal The New Frontier The Great Society
The Square Deal (1904) was the term used by Theodore Roosevelt and his associates for the domestic policies of his administration, particularly with regard to economic policies, such as enforcement. The term is a general reference to the concept of a square deal being an agreement that is made fairly between businesses and the consumers and workers. Roosevelt originally used the term "Square Deal" to encourage arbitration between a mining company and its striking workers.
To ensure market competition, Roosevelt promoted antitrust and opened federal cases against 40 major corporations. He argued that some "bad" trusts had to be curbed, and "good" ones encouraged. He wanted executive agencies to make the decision, not the Courts.
Railroads were no longer allowed to give rebates or kickbacks to favored companies. Their rates were controlled for the benefit of shippers, which had the long-term negative effect of weakening the railroads as they faced new competition from trucks and buses. Meat had to be processed safely with proper sanitation, giving the advantage to large packing houses and undercutting small local operations. Foodstuffs and drugs could no longer be mislabeled, nor could consumers be deliberately misled to make a profit.