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Square Deal

Definition

The Square Deal was a domestic policy proposed by President Theodore Roosevelt that aimed to provide fair treatment for all - workers, consumers, and businesses. It focused on three main areas: conservation of natural resources, control of corporations, and consumer protection.

Analogy

Think of the Square Deal as a balanced diet plan. Just like how a balanced diet ensures you get the right amount of nutrients from different food groups (proteins, carbs, fats), the Square Deal aimed to balance the interests of different societal groups (workers, consumers, businesses) to ensure everyone gets their fair share.

Related terms

Trust-Busting: This is an action taken by the government to break up monopolies or trusts that restrict competition in order to promote free market competition.

Conservation Movement: This refers to political and social movements that seek to protect natural resources including plant and animal species as well as their habitat for the future.

Pure Food and Drug Act: A law passed in 1906 as part of Roosevelt's Square Deal program which prohibited interstate commerce in adulterated or mislabeled food and drugs.