Unit 5: The Progressive Era (1890-1920)

President Woodrow Wilson’s

New Freedom

Bell Ringer – T.R. and Taft1. 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 1912Taft/ Roosevelt Split allowed Wilson (D) to win.TR joined Progressive Party; also called Bull Moose Party.John Schrank attempted to kill Roosevelt in Milwaukee, WIWilson 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 anti-trust 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 rightsVoters have more influence Much corruption in government endedConsumers afforded some protection from business abusesWe 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.