Woodrow Wilson takes the helm
Election of 1912
The Candidates Republicans: William Howard Taft. Democrats: Woodrow Wilson. Progressive Party (Bull Moose): Roosevelt.
A Conflict of Economic and Political Philosophies. Progressive Platform Consolidation of trusts and labor unions. Stronger regulatory agencies, Women’s suffrage. Social welfare laws. (minimum wage, etc) Democrat Platform Small enterprise with unmonopolized and unregulated markets. Fragment big business by enactment of antitrust laws. Competition.
Outcome of the Election Roosevelt splits the Republican vote by pulling in 27% of the popular vote. Wilson wins but has only 41% of the vote. Eugene V. Debs pulls in over 900,000 votes for the Socialist Party. Taft leaves politics (sort a) and will become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 1921.
The Triple Wall of Privilege The Tariff Underwood Tariff Bill - reduced import fees and also enacted a graduated income tax. Why were they in the same bill?
The Triple Wall of Privilege The Banks Federal Reserve Act of Created the Federal Reserve Board, twelve regional districts, and Federal Reserve Notes. Made to be free of political influence.
The Triple Wall of Privilege The Trusts Federal Trade Commission Act of Used to battle unfair competition, false advertising, mislabeling, adulteration and bribery. Clayton-Anti-Trust Act of Strengthened Sherman. Price discrimination and interlocking directorates. Legalized strikes and peaceful picketing.
Additional Progressive Reforms Seaman’s Act of Federal Farm Loan Act of Warehouse Act of Workingmen’s Compensation Act of Adamson Act of 1916.
Problems South of the Border
Viva Zapata !!!!! General Huerta takes control of Mexico, spurning a northern migration. Venustiano Carranza and Pancho Villa are supported by the US. Trouble in Tampico & retaliation at Vera Cruz. Carranza seizes power in “Black-Jack” Pershing sent after Villa after border murders. (1917)
The World Explodes in War
German Submarine Warfare Hits Home