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Published byWalter Underwood Modified over 8 years ago
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Part I
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Believed America was a “city on a hill” A light to the world Saw himself in a messiah role of sorts Brilliant and charismatic President of Princeton University as well as US President of USA President became most powerful man in America under Wilson
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Concentration of power by gov. leaders Even though he said accountability was important Congressional Government Accountability stems from democratic process Elections Pragmatism No absolute values or laws Things change depending upon need Society was more important than individual “There is nothing private in America. Everything is public”
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Wilson’s presidential campaign Stricter regulation of business Government control of money supply Income tax utilized Good: Prevented business from abusing the lowly Helped society’s marginalized Bad: More power in the hands of government Government could assert its own morality
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Wilson had to win over 3 groups Democratic Party Congress American Public
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Division w/in Democratic Party Progressives vs. old line Democrats Wilson sided w/ the stronger side Old line democrats Used patronage Rewarded friends Punished enemies Encouraged loyalty
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Made own legislative program Personal appearances at the Capitol Personal conferences w/ congressmen Delivered messages to Congress in person Made Congress sit for longest session in its history at that time Passed his “New Freedom” legislation
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Great orator Made people believe they were on a moral crusade Informal press releases to influence public
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Created the Federal Reserve Board Composed of 12 regional banks Government can control inflation Federal Trade Commission Act Government given more control over commerce Clayton Antitrust Act Government given more power to break up big business Underwood-Simmons Tax Small income tax Social Welfare Legislation (laws enacted to assist individuals) Federal Farm Loan Act Loans to farmers Adamson Act 8 hour day for interstate railroad workers Child Labor Act Prohibited kids under 14 from working in factories
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Wilson appointed Louis D. Brandeis In the tradition of Oliver Wendell Holmes Brandeis believed law and morality were relative It was questionable whether or not the Senate would approve Wilson’s nomination Wilson said that they had to approve or he would not favor them through patronage Nomination confirmed
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