Woodrow Wilson WWilson claimed progressive ideals: HHe cautiously supported women’s suffrage. HHe believed in attacking large concentrations of power to give greater freedom to average citizens. HHis prejudices, however, from being a Southerner prevented him from acting on behalf of African Americans. EEnacted his program “New Freedom,” and planned his attack on what he called the triple wall of privilege: the trusts, tariffs, and high finance.

Two Key Antitrust Measures  Clayton Antitrust Act (1914)  Sought to strengthen the Sherman Antitrust Act  Goal was to stop monopolies  Unions could exist and were no longer subject to antitrust laws (protest is legal)  Federal Trade Commission Act (1914) This “watchdog” agency was given the power to investigate possible violations of regulatory statutes, require reports from corporations, and put an end to the number of unfair business practices

A New Tax System WWilson worked hard to lower tariffs. UUnderwood Act (1913) – most substantial reduction of tariffs since the Civil War BBoth sides lobbied hard WWilson used the bully pulpit and told voters to monitor how their senators voted WWith lower tariffs they had to find alternatives for revenue (16 th Amendment-1913) WWilson established the Federal Reserve System to monitor the way banks were run. TThe Federal Reserve Act (1913) divided the nation into 12 districts each with a regional central bank CCould issue new paper currency in emergencies, make loans, transfer funds, save banks from closing and protecting customers’ savings

Women Win Suffrage  Success was within reach due to three developments:  Increased activism of local groups  Bold new strategies  Carrie Chapman Catt (Susan B. Anthony’s successor to the NAWSA)  19 th Amendment (1920)

The Limits of Progressivism DDespite economic and political reforms, Wilson disappointed progressives due to his lack of social reform (appointing segregationists in charge of federal agencies). WWilson retreated on the issue of Civil Rights, much like Roosevelt and Taft. DDuring his campaign he promised to treat blacks equally and speak out against lynching. HHowever, he opposed federal anti-lynching laws saying it was a state issue and thought segregation was just