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American History Tellers

The Progressive Era | The Call | 3

American History Tellers

Wondery

Society & Culture, Kids & Family, History, Education For Kids

4.718.3K Ratings

🗓️ 21 May 2025

⏱️ 43 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt discharged 167 soldiers of the all-Black 25th Infantry stationed in Brownsville, Texas. The men were accused of shooting up the town. But there was little evidence to prove their guilt. Roosevelt’s decision sparked outcry among Black activists and revealed the limits of his campaign to build a more fair and just society.

But Black Americans refused to stand on the sidelines of the Progressive movement. In the aftermath of a deadly race riot in Springfield, Illinois, W. E. B. Du Bois and other activists formed a new national organization to fight racial prejudice, the N.A.A.C.P. 

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Transcript

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0:00.0

As we explore the triumphs and tragedies that shaped America, we're always striving to paint a vivid,

0:05.5

nuanced picture of the past, and with Wondery Plus, you can experience that vision in its purest form.

0:11.0

Enjoy ad-free episodes, early access to new seasons, and exclusive bonus content that illuminates

0:16.0

the human stories behind the history. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts and see American

0:21.7

history through a whole new lens. A listener note, this episode contains graphic descriptions

0:27.0

of racial violence and may not be suitable for everyone. Imagine it's November 1906 in Washington, D.C.

0:48.1

You're a civil rights advocate visiting the war department offices.

0:51.8

A secretary ushers you into a high-ceilinged room where you find the

0:55.3

hulking form of Secretary of War William Howard Taft. He sits behind a cluttered desk, sorting through a

1:01.4

mountain of correspondence. He scans a letter and then tosses it on a pile before looking up at you.

1:07.4

Ah, please, have a see. You settle into the chair across from his desk and smooth out the

1:14.6

wrinkles in your skirt. Mr. Secretary, thank you for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice.

1:19.5

I've come on behalf of the 25th infantry, the black soldiers dishonorably discharged in Texas.

1:25.0

Sir, there's no evidence that these soldiers did anything wrong. It's all down to

1:28.5

rumor and prejudice. Well, what would you have me do about it? President Roosevelt has already made his

1:33.0

decision. He's sailing to Puerto Rico as we speak, and as far as I know, he's put the matter behind him.

1:37.7

Well, sir, I'm asking that you suspend the order until a proper investigation can be made.

1:43.3

Taft leans back in his chair and studies you.

1:45.9

Suspend the order.

1:47.2

You want me to suspend an order issued by the president of the United States while he is out

1:51.8

of the country.

1:52.7

I understand the difficulty in it, but it is an injustice.

...

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