Wilsonian Progressivism
Brigitta Mannino and Grace Perez
1st hr APUSH
Campaign of 1912
Wilson’s New Freedom platform (Democrat): favored small
enterprise, entrepreneurship, free functioning of unregulated and
unmonopolized markets. Wilson’s main goal was the
fragmentation of the big industrial combines, not regulation.
Roosevelt’s New Nationalism platform: campaigned for women
suffrage and a broad program of social welfare, including
minimum wage laws, and “socialistic” social insurance
Taft was also in the running for the Republicans, although he
played a smaller role. He upheld the traditional Republican views
and often butted heads with Roosevelt
“I want to be a bull moose
And with bull moose stand
With antlers on my forehead
And a big stick in my hand”
Wilson’s Contribution
Underwood Tariff: Wilson personally delivered
his proposed tariff to congress, which the
house swiftly passed. The tariff itself provided
for a substantial reduction of rates, which was
followed by a swarm of lobbyists seeking to
disembowel the bill.
This further proved that Wilson had the
support of the majority of the public.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWbXhpcys5I
Wilson Vs. Bankers
Banks were troubled by the inelasticity
of the currency, which did not allow
mobilization in times of financial stress
into areas that were badly pinched.
President Wilson endorsed Democratic
proposals for a decentralized bank in
government hands . This led to the
development of the Federal Reserve Act.
The Federal Reserve Act oversaw a nation wide system of
twelve regional reserve districts each with its own central
bank.
Progressivism at Work
Federal Trade Commission Act: empowered a presidentially
appointed commission to turn a searchlight on industries and
gage an interstate commerce. Commissioners were expected to
crush monopolies by rooting out unfair trade practices.
Clayton Anti-Trust Act: lengthened the shopworn Sherman’s Acts
list of business practices that were deemed objectionable,
including price discrimination and interlocking directorates
usually achieved through holding companies.
Other Acts Passed
Federal Farm Loan Act: made
credit available to farmers at low
rates of interest.
Warehouse Act: authorized
loans on the security of staple
crops
La Follette Seaman’s Act: It
required decent treatment and a
living wage on American
merchant ships.
Resulted in freight rates rising
with the crews’ wages.
Acts Continued…
Workingmen’s Compensation
Act: granted assistance to federal
civil-service employees during
periods of disability.
The Adamson Act: established
an eight-hour day for all
employees on trains in interstate
commerce, with extra pay for
overtime.
Relevance to Contemporary
Times
The President continuous to work
closely with congress to establish better
relations with businesses.
During reelection season the president
will appeal to as many people as he can
to gain the public support.
Acts such as the Workingmen’s
Compensation are still in affect today,
protecting employees from being
abused.
Wilson ultimately benefited this
country and provided for a better more
stable nation.
Relevance to Past Studies
Wilson’s policies were quite similar to Jefferson’s
policies which involved a working class and an appeal
to the majority of the people.
Earlier the Knights of Labor had fought for eight-hour
work shifts which was later achieved through the
Adamson Act.