Which president, known for his cautious approach, angered progressives during his term and supported the Payne-Aldrich Tariff?

William Howard Taft is the correct answer because his presidency was marked by a more conservative approach compared to his predecessor, Theodore Roosevelt. Taft's support for the Payne-Aldrich Tariff, which raised certain tariffs and was seen as a betrayal of progressive reform ideals, particularly angered progressive reformers who had hoped for lower tariffs to benefit consumers. This tariff was perceived as favoring big business over the interests of ordinary Americans and was a significant point of contention during his administration.

Many progressives felt that Taft was not living up to the progressive agenda set forth by Roosevelt, which contributed to a split in the Republican Party. The disappointment with Taft’s policies ultimately led to Roosevelt running as a third-party candidate in the 1912 election under the Progressive Party banner, highlighting the significant rift between progressives and conservatives within the party. This context emphasizes Taft's role in the progressive movement and illustrates why he was viewed unfavorably by many who expected a more aggressive pursuit of reform.