Wilson’s New Freedom Progressive ideals Attack concentration of power, give greater freedom Attack “triple wall of privilege” Trusts Tariffs High Finance * Workers rights
Action Against Trusts Monopolies should be destroyed Clayton Antitrust Act: outlawed practices that restricted competition Cannot acquire stock of another if it creates a monopoly. Can’t limit competition in stores based upon another’s product Can’t charge different people different prices Labor/Farm unions can exist and are protected Strikes, boycotts, peaceful picketing were legal
Antitrust Legislation Federal Trade Commission (FTC): monitor US business Investigate violations of regulation Require reports from corporations Ended many unfair trade practices, those that hurt competition 400 cease and desist orders to companies for illegal activities
New Tax System Curb BIG Business by reducing tariff rates; assist consumers and manufacturers Improve products, lower $ to keep up with foreign competition Underwood Tariff Act: Cut tariff rates for 1st time since Civil War (lost revenue?) 16th Amendment (1913): Graduated Federal Income Tax – More income, higher tax Provided more revenue, still main source of revenue today
High Finance Reform Banking failures led Wilson to seek public confidence in US banking. Federal Reserve Act of 1913: Divided nation into 12 districts, a regional bank in each National supervision, set interest rates Held portion of deposits for emergencies Could transfer funds between banks Serves as banking system today Very significant US legislation * Page 310 provides more info
Women Win Suffrage 2 main groups National Woman Suffrage Association *Constitutional Amendment American Woman Suffrage Association * State gov’ts 1st then amendment The 2 form National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA)
19th Amendment Civil Disobedience led Alice Paul to form National Woman’s Party Carrie Chapman Catt led NAWSA to help pass a Senate vote 1920 19th Amendment ratified Alice Paul Carrie Chapman Catt
Legacy of the Progressive Era Progressive Presidents expanded role of Federal Government and power of the President US citizens expect government to solve social and economic issues Failure to protect from racial/religious discrimination Progressivism takes back seat to global conflict For Wilson, 1st Imperialism issues and now World War