Which president's administration was known for its hesitance to fully embrace progressive reforms, especially in the context of tariffs?

The correct answer focuses on William Howard Taft, whose administration was characterized by a cautious approach to progressive reforms, particularly regarding tariff legislation. Taft's presidency (1909-1913) faced significant challenges in balancing the demands of progressives and conservatives within the Republican Party. He supported the Payne-Aldrich Tariff, which ended up raising certain tariffs rather than lowering them, leading to disappointment among progressives who expected more substantial tariff reform. This reluctance to fully commit to progressive ideals created a rift in the party and ultimately contributed to the split that led to the emergence of the Progressive Party under Roosevelt in the 1912 election.

In contrast, Theodore Roosevelt is often associated with robust progressive reforms, particularly in trust-busting and environmental conservation. Woodrow Wilson did embrace progressivism but took a more aggressive stance on tariffs with the Underwood Tariff Act. Calvin Coolidge, later in the 1920s, aligned more with laissez-faire principles and had a different political context, focusing on business interests rather than progressive reforms. This context clarifies Taft's unique position in hesitating to pursue the full extent of progressive reforms during his tenure.