2.7 Progressivism and the New Freedom Flashcards
Where did Wilson rely on his votes from?
The Solid South
What position was Bryan given in Wilson’s government?
Secretary of State
What was Wilson’s programme of reforms known as?
The ‘New Freedom’
How did Wilson’s idea of Progressivism differ from Roosevelt’s
Wilson believed in a return to freedom for small businesses, and open competition instead of domination by big corporate cartels
What changes to tariffs did Wilson make?
- 1913 - Underwood-Simmons Tariff Act - slashed tariff rates by up to 20%
- 1913 16th Amendment on income tax - to compensate for lost tariff revenues
How did Wilson reform banking?
- Federal Reserve Act 1913
- Established a strong central bank which was under public regulation and control
- National banks compelled to join one of the 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks
- These banks supervised by the Federal Reserve Board in Washington
How successful was the Federal Reserve Act 1913?
- By, 1923, roughly 70% of the nations banking resources were part of the federal reserve system
- Supply of money was no longer dependent on the amount of gold
- Progressive
What did Wilson do to tackle big business?
1914 - set up the Federal Trade Commission to inspect and regulate corporate business methods and prevent unfair practices
1914 - Clayton antitrust Act built on the Sherman Antitrust Act
How successful was Wilson in taking on big business?
His administration launched nearly 100 antitrust cases against big businesses.
What did Wilson to to support workers?
- Strikes, boycotts, and peaceful picketing prevented from being illegal
- 1916 Adamson Act brought 8 hour work days to railroad workers
- 1916 Workmen’s Compensation Act provided insurance for workers against injuries at work
- 1916 Federal Farm Loan Act gave farmers access to long term loans
- 1916 Federal Child Labour Act
What was the criteria to pay income tax?
If someone made more that $4000 so the rich felt attacked
What was Wilson’s attitude towards trade unions?
- Had little sympathy for them
- Coal miners went on strike in Ludlow and the company refused their demands, evicting workers from company housing
- Colorado National Guard was called
- Wilson sent in federal troops to restore order and break up the strike
What promises had Wilson made with respect to African Americans in his election campaign?
- Promised to support them and do them justice
- Won the support of the NAACP by promising to treat blacks equally and to speak out against lynching
How did Wilson treat African Americans once he was president?
- Placed segregationists in charge of federal agencies, expanding racial segregation in the federal government, the military, and Washington DC
- Opposed federal anti-lynching legislation
What constitutional amendments were there during Wilson’s presidency?
16th Income tax - 1913
17th Election of Senators by popular vote - 1913
18th Prohibition - 1919
19th Votes for women - 1920
In what ways was Wilson progressive?
Banking, supported farmers and workers, improved the economy, constitutional change
In what way was Wilson not progressive?
With respect to African Americans and segregation became even more prevalent during his presidency
What was the general public opinion of war during the 1916 election?
Most wanted to remain neutral and the campaign slogan ‘He kept us out of war’ was used
What happened to the Progressive Party in the build up to the 1916 election?
The party was Roosevelt to run, but he declined his nomination in favour of supporting Hughes, who was elected to run for the Republican Party. This led to the collapse of the Progressives.
How did the Republicans attack Wilson in the 1916 election campaign?
- Against his pacifist stance
- Argued for a programme of greater mobilisation and preparedness
What was the result of the 1916 election?
Wilson narrowly won
