Chapter 18The Progressive Movement

Section 4

The Wilson Years

The Election of 1912

• Republican conservatives supported Taft.

• Republican progressives supported T. Roosevelt.

• Taft gained the Republican nomination.

The Republican Party Splits

• Roosevelt ran as an independent for the Progressive Party.

• The election came down to 2 progressives:– Theodore Roosevelt– Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson (New

Jersey Gov.)

“New Freedom” vs. “New Nationalism”

• Roosevelt’s New Nationalism was a complete line of reforms that favored legislation to protect women and children in the workforce and workers’ compensation for those injured on the job.

“New Freedom” vs. “New Nationalism”

• Wilson’s New Freedom, supported free enterprise and criticized Roosevelt for a program that Wilson felt supported monopolies.

Election Results of 1912

• Roosevelt and Taft split the Republican vote, giving Wilson the electoral college win.

• First time since 1892 a Democrat had been president.

Regulating the Economy

• During Wilson’s 8 years, he issued reforms that affected tariffs, the banking system, the trusts, and workers’ right.

Reforming Tariffs

• 1913 – Underwood Tariff – reduced the average tariff on imported goods to about ½ of what it had been in the 1890s.

• It included a provision for levying an income tax, or a direct tax on the earnings of individuals and corporations.

Reforming the Banks

• Had not been a central bank system since the 1830s.

• Wilson supported the Federal Reserve System where the banks would have to keep some of their deposits in a reserve to protect customers’ money.

• 1913 – Federal Reserve Act became one of the most important pieces of legislation in American history.

Antitrust Action

• 1914 – Wilson asked Congress to create the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to monitor American business.

• Investigated companies and issued involved in unfair trade practices.

• Progressives responded by passing the Clayton Antitrust Act that put a ban on tying agreements and price discrimination.

Federal Aid and Social Welfare

• 1916 – Keating-Owen Child Labor Act – prohibited children under the age of 14 from working in factories.

• Adamson Act – established an 8-hr workday for RR workers.

• Federal Farm Loan Act – provided farmers w/ long term loans at low interest rates.

The Legacy of Progressivism

• By the end of the era, American looked to the government to play an active role in regulating the economy and solving problems.

Limits of Progressivism

• Failed to address African-America reform issues.

• 1909 – National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded.

• Demanded full political rights and responsibilities and an end to racial discrimination.

End of Chapter 18

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