Progressivism under Taft and Wilson

Agenda 1. Bell Ringer: Segregation Exhibit (30) 2. Progressivism under Taft and Wilson (20) 3. The Presidents: Roosevelt/Taft/Wilson 4. Presidential Chart of Progress (15)

William H. Taft as President William Howard Taft succeeds Roosevelt as President on the Republican ticket. “Vote for Taft this time, you can vote for Bryan anytime” Supported Mann Elkins Act, further regulating the railroad industry. Most of the reform during this period occurred under Congress He would battle with the “insurgents”, a group challenging the leadership in the Republican party. Ballinger-Pinchot affair would lead to a large rift between Progressives and Taft. Ballinger sold land earmarked for preservation to coal interests in 1909. By 1910 Pinchot, head of the forestry service, would be fired for criticizing Ballinger and his decisions.

Election of 1912 Roosevelt was snubbed at the Republican Convention, they supported a second term for Taft. He forms the Progressive Party, also known as the Bull Moose Party He would advocate for all reform ideas (which turned out to be a bit too radical) Woodrow Wilson would run for the Democrats, and win Eugene V. Debs would run as a socialist in 1912.

Wilson as President Woodrow Wilson was president of Princeton University, and published prior to his ascendency to the presidency of the United States. New Progressivism would gain steam under his leadership He was rarely compromising, but also known as a dealmaker. Federal Reserve Act of 1913 would reform the banking industry 12 regional banks under public/private control would issue money to other banks and provide loans. It aided in preventing financial panic, promoting growth, and dampen the impact of inflation. (Stabilizes currency) Federal Trade Commission Act- investigated suspected violations of federal regulations.

Wilson and the New Progressivism Clayton Antitrust Act- listed specific activities that could lead to legal action Much stronger than the Sherman Antitrust Act Adamson Act would provide for an 8 hour workday Workmen’s Compensation Act would provide accident and injury protection Color line plays a role. He watched Birth of a Nation at the White House, and was born in Virginia.

New Amendments based on Progressive Ideas 16th amendment- federal income tax proposed and utilized for the first time since 1872. (1913) 17th amendment- direct election of US Senators by citizens in that state (1913) 18th amendment- Prohibition (1919) 19th amendment- Women’s Suffrage (1920) Progressive Movement would lost steam with War approaching. Overall, the Progressive Movement attempted to right the wrongs of Industrialization. There was limited success, but the gains for various groups were life changing.