Taft & Wilson: Progressive Era Although President Roosevelt improved life in America, democracy expanded more during the Taft and Wilson years

Taft Won the election of Conservative Progressives did not trust Taft. Continued Roosevelt’s anti-trust actions. Supported the passage of the 16 th amendment.

Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy Taft’s foreign policy. U.S. would sell its products overseas especially to Latin America and Asia Policy protected American economic interests.

Taft Progressive Reforms Children’s Bureau – Investigated and publicized problems with child labor. Anti-Trust Action – Broke up trusts, believed in competition. Supported safety standards for mines and railroads. Pushed for the passage of the 16 th amendment; taxing directly individual’s income (ratified in 1913 a year after he left office).

Wilson Democrat Only in politics for 2 years. Wins the election of Progressive

Wilson’s Moral Diplomacy “the force of America is the force of moral principle” Influence and control foreign nations through the exercise of economic power. – Protect American interests in Latin American countries

Wilson’s Progressive Reforms Adopted lower tariffs on imports. – Underwood Tariff Federal Reserve Act – Regulate banks – Created the Federal Reserve System. Central bank of the U.S.A. Federal Trade Commission – Monitor American business. – Work with businesses to limit unfair activities.

Wilson’s amendments 17 th amendment – Allows voters to directly elect senators. 18 th amendment – Prohibits the manufacture, sell and distribution & use of alcoholic beverages. 19 th amendment – Women’s suffrage.

Progressive Era summary Economic and Political Reforms Interstate Commerce Commission – Railroads must charge fair prices for small and large loads Sherman Anti-trust Act – Made monopolies and trusts illegal. 16 th - 19 th amendment Federal Reserve Act Pendleton Civil Service Act (passed in 1883) – Removed the spoils system for hiring government workers. – Civil Service Commission; set up competitive tests, applicants had to demonstrate their skills.