Chapter 9-The Progressive Era Section 4-Progressivism Under Taft and Section 5-Wilson’s New Freedom

Section 4-Progressivism Under Taft

Taft Becomes President Taft Stumbles- During the 1908 Presidential Election, Republican William Howard Taft wins with Roosevelt’s support He approaches the Presidency with a cautiously progressive agenda; gets little credit for his successes Does not use presidential bully pulpit to arouse public opinion like Roosevelt Chapter 9 Section 4

Taft Becomes President The Payne-Aldrich Tariff In 1909, Taft signs Payne-Aldrich Tariff into law. This was a bill raising certain tariffs on goods entering the United States. The high rates angered Republican reformers, and led to a deep split in the Republican Party. Disputing Public Lands Conservationists become angry that Richard A. Ballinger is named interior secretary under Taft Ballinger puts reserved lands in public domain negating some of the work Teddy Roosevelt did while in office A fired member of the interior writes magazine exposé exposing Ballinger’s shady activities Gifford Pinchot head of U.S. Forest Service Department testifies against Ballinger and is ultimately fired by Taft Chapter 9 Section 4

The Republican Party Splits Problems within the Party Republicans become split over Taft’s decision to support Speaker of the House Joseph Cannon Cannon attempted to weaken the progressive agenda causing a handful of progressives to ally themselves with Democrats During the 1910 midterm elections, the Democrats win control of the House Chapter 9 Section 4

The Republican Party Splits The Bull Moose Party- During his time away from the Presidency Theodore Roosevelt became disappointed with what he perceived was Taft’s many weaknesses During the 1912 Republican National Convention, Taft the incumbent beat Roosevelt’s for nomination Angry progressives form Bull Moose Party; and nominate Theodore Roosevelt as their candidate The Bull Moose Party's political platform centered around: Increased voter participation Guaranteeing woman suffrage Creating new labor legislation and new regulations on business The Democrats nominate Woodrow Wilson the governor of New Jersey Chapter 9 Section 4

Democrats Win in 1912 The Election of 1912- Wilson endorses progressive platform called the New Freedom He wants stronger antitrust laws, banking reform, lower tariffs He also refers to all monopolies as evil Roosevelt wants oversight of big business; not all monopolies bad Socialist Party candidate Eugene V. Debs wants to end capitalism Woodrow Wilson wins the 1912 Presidential Election The Democrats also win a majority of seats in the house Chapter 9 Section 4

Section 5-Wilson’s New Freedom

Wilson Wins Financial Reforms Wilson’s Background- Thomas Woodrow Wilson (December 28, 1856-February 3, 1924) was an American statesman, academic, former president of Princeton University and governor of New Jersey who served as the 28th President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. During his presidency he focuses on breaking trusts, tariffs, reforming financial issues Chapter 9 Section 5

Wilson Wins Financial Reforms Two Key Antitrust Measures Clayton Antitrust Act passed in 1914 was designed to stops companies from buying stock in an attempt to form a monopoly This act also ends injunctions against strikers The Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914-This Act outlawed unfair methods of competition that affects commerce and the fair trade of stocks It acted as the new “watchdog” agency for the federal government They also investigates regulatory violations Worked to end unfair business practices Chapter 9 Section 5

Wilson Wins Financial Reforms A New Tax System Wilson pushes for the Underwood Act to substantially reduce tariffs Wilson also gives his State of the Union address in person His use of bully pulpit leads to passage of several new financial reform acts Federal Income Tax Sixteenth Amendment legalizes graduated the federal government the ability to impose an income tax on it’s citizens Federal Reserve System- Created in 1913, to act as the central bank of the United States. It was created by the Congress under President Wilson to provide the nation with a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system. Under this system the nation is divided into twelve districts each with its own central bank Chapter 9 Section 5

Women Win Suffrage Local Suffrage Battles- College-educated women work to spread the message of suffrage to working-class women across the country They go door-to-door, take trolley tours and even give speeches at rest stops Some adopt bold the tactics of British suffragists Catt and the National Movement- Carrie Chapman Catt the head of NAWSA, stressed the use of lobbying and political organization as a way to gain suffrage National Woman’s Party aggressively pressures for suffrage amendment Work of patriotic women in war effort influences politicians Finally in 1920 the Nineteenth Amendment is passed granting women the right to vote Chapter 9 Section 5

The Limits of Progressivism Wilson and Civil Rights- As candidate Wilson wins support of NAACP for his favorable position on civil rights Although he didn’t follow through on many of his promises As president, he opposes ant-lynching legislation He also appoints fellow white Southerners to cabinet who worked to extend segregation NAACP feels betrayed; Wilson self-defense tactics widens rift between him and those of color The Twilight of Progressivism- Outbreak of World War I distracts Americans; while the stroke he suffers stall many of his reform efforts Chapter 9 Section 5