Unit 5: The Progressive Era
(1890-1920)
President Woodrow Wilson’s
New Freedom
Bell Ringer – T.R. and Taft
1. T or F: Roosevelt was more popular when
he left office as he was when he came in.
2. T or F: Taft prosecuted twice as many
trusts as Teddy Roosevelt.
3. T or F: Taft was the first president to pass
laws to protect the natural environment.
4. T or F: In spite of their differences, Taft
and Roosevelt remained good friends.
Daily Learning Target:
Wilson’s New Freedom
I can identify and explain the key
Progressive reforms of Woodrow
Wilson’s presidency.
The Election of 1912
Taft/ Roosevelt Split allowed
Wilson (D) to win.
TR joined Progressive Party;
also called Bull Moose Party.
John Schrank attempted to kill
Roosevelt in Milwaukee, WI
Wilson won 42% of popular
vote, but 435 electoral votes. TR
got 27% (88) & poor Taft got
23% (8).
The New Freedom
He attacked The
Triple Wall of
Privilege (Tariffs,
Trusts, & Banks)
Underwood Tariff
Act (1913) – lowered
tariffs & 1st income
tax in U.S. history via
the 16th Amendment.
The Federal Reserve Act (1913)
Divided the U.S. into 12 Federal Reserve
Districts under the control of a Federal Reserve
Board.
U.S. banks required to keep 10% of deposits on
reserve at the Federal Reserve Bank in its
district.
The Federal Reserve Board sets interest rates
when banks borrow from other banks.
The Federal Reserve is the tool that allows the
government to regulate the supply of money to
keep our economy strong.
Keeping the Heat on the Trusts!
The Federal Trade
Commission (1914) –
to police big business
and enforce antitrust laws. Today the
FTC also watches the
Stock Market and
Internet sales.
Clayton Antitrust Act (1914)
Strengthened the
Sherman Act by
spelling out exactly
what corporations
could/ could not do.
The FTC now could
issue “cease and
desist” orders.
Labor unions could
not be labeled as
trusts.
Protecting Workers
Workingman’s Compensation Act (1916)
gave compensation to temporarily
disabled civil service workers.
Adamson Act (1916) to prevent
nationwide RR strike. Gave RR workers
an 8-hour day.
Keating-Owens Act (1916) – Banned
child labor, but overturned by the S.C.
Constitutional Amendments
16th Amendment (1913)
– Graduated Income Tax
17th Amendment (1913)–
Direct Election of
Senators
18th Amendment (1919)
– Prohibition of Alcohol
19th Amendment
(1920)– Women’s
Suffrage (Right to Vote)
Progressivism’s Legacy
Era ended in 1917 by U.S. involvement in WW
I (1914 – 1918).
Few gains were made in area of civil rights
Voters have more influence
Much corruption in government ended
Consumers afforded some protection from
business abuses
We now hold the idea that government can at
times be effective to solve social problems.
Exit Slip – The New Freedom
1. T or F: Wilson won the Presidency with 56%
of the popular vote.
2. T or F: Wilson’s “Triple Wall of Privilege”
included Tariffs, Trusts, and State Governors.
3. T or F: The Federal Reserve Act of 1912
divided the U.S. into 12 Reserve Districts.
4. T or F: Wilson was opposed to passing laws
to help working class Americans.