Wilsons Progressive Reforms 1912 - 1920 Flashcards
(23 cards)
What made the 1912 presidential election significant?
Four candidates ran; Wilson (Democrat) won due to a split in the Republican Party, becoming the first Democrat elected since 1897.
What was Wilson’s reform agenda called?
The New Freedom – aimed at reducing tariffs, reforming the banking system, and strengthening anti-trust laws.
How did Wilson’s victory give him a strong mandate for reform?
He won 435 electoral votes and had Democrat majorities in both houses of Congress.
What was the Federal Reserve Act (1913)?
It created a central banking system with 12 districts overseen by a Federal Reserve Board to regulate interest rates and money supply
Why was the Federal Reserve Act important?
It balanced business interests with public needs and helped control inflation/deflation. By 1923, 70% of banking resources were part of the system.
What was the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?
A regulatory body formed to investigate corporations and stop unfair business practices.
What did the Clayton Anti-Trust Act (1914) do?
Strengthened the Sherman Act
• Banned price discrimination and interlocking directorates
• Legalised labour unions
Why was the Clayton Act significant for labour?
It was praised by union leaders like Samuel Gompers for protecting workers’ rights.
What was the Underwood Tariff (1913)?
It reduced tariffs on key goods like wool and machinery, favouring free trade.
How was revenue lost from tariffs replaced?
Through Income Tax (1913), following the 16th Amendment.
Who had to pay the new income tax?
Initially, only those earning over $4,000—a high wage at the time.
What did the Revenue Act of 1916 do?
Expanded income tax to businesses, estates, and the wealthy, making it the main source of federal revenue by 1917.
What did the Federal Child Labor Act (1916) do?
Barred goods made by child labour from interstate commerce (later ruled unconstitutional).
What was the Workmen’s Compensation Act (1916)?
Gave assistance to federal employees injured at work.
What did the Adamson Act do?
Set an 8-hour workday for railroad workers.
How did Wilson respond to the 1913 Ludlow coal miners’ strike?
He sent federal troops after 26 people were killed by the Colorado National Guard.
Did Wilson support trade unions?
Not consistently—he showed little sympathy during strikes like Ludlow.
How did Wilson handle racial issues?
Poorly—he appointed segregationists and expanded racial segregation in federal agencies.
What was Wilson’s stance on lynching?
He opposed federal anti-lynching laws, claiming it was a state issue.
Why did Wilson lose support from black voters?
He broke campaign promises to treat black citizens equally and allowed segregation in federal offices.
How did Wilson win the 1916 election?
He campaigned on neutrality with the slogan “He kept us out of war” and narrowly defeated Charles Evans Hughes.
What dominated Wilson’s second term?
• U.S. entry into WWI
• Federal control of the economy and workforce during wartime
How progressive was Wilson overall?
Mixed – He made key reforms early on (e.g., income tax, banking), but later progress slowed. He avoided major welfare reform and did not tackle segregation or support federal anti-lynching laws.
