Progressive Era Wilson’s New Freedom

Wilson’s New Freedom: Wealth (and its undue influence in government) Woodrow Wilson had pledged to fight: Wealth (and its undue influence in government) Banks Tariff Trusts Focused domestically on Financial Reform

Financial Reform Clayton Anti-Trust Act – (1914) Strengthened Sherman Anti-Trust Act, illegal for company to purchase stock in another if it creates monopoly. Also protects Unions. Creates Federal Trade Commission - (1914)Watchdog group to investigate unfair business practices

Financial Reform Underwood Tariff – lowers Tariff rate for first time since Civil War Income Tax – Graduated income tax to replace tariff income – 16th Amendment Click here for a link to federal income tax rates from 1862 – 2013.

Financial Reform Federal Reserve System- Government needs to take money supply out of hands of powerful banking trusts Creates Federal Reserve System to regulate money supply, loan money, help avoid bank panics Country divided into 12 regions – each with a “branch” Over time, responsibility and power grows; Federal Reserve is very important to today’s economy.

Women and Suffrage Round the clock picketing of the White House Women continue fight for voting right Turn to more radical tactics Carrie Chapman Catt – vocal suffragette leader Round the clock picketing of the White House Hungers strikes and arrests Heckling public officials 19th Amendment, 1919, finally gives women right to vote in national election

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Civil Rights Failures Civil Rights progress stalled under Wilson Reduces number of African Americans in Government Segregates Post Office and other institutions in Washington

The End of Progressivism Progressivism fades as World War One and other global issues take precedence Legacy including 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th Amendments (18th repealed) Protection of workers, end of monopolies, regulation of food and drugs Debate over legacy – good or bad in terms of government intervention?

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