OBJECTIVE: Understand President Wilson’s progressive reforms. #51 Chapter 9 Section 5 Wilson’s New Freedom OBJECTIVE: Understand President Wilson’s progressive reforms.

I. Wilson Wins Financial Reforms Wilson planned to attack the triple wall of privilege: trusts, tariffs, and high finance. 2 key antitrust measures: Clayton Antitrust Act- stops companies from buying stocks to form monopolies. Unlike the Sherman Antitrust Act, this act allowed for formation of unions. Federal Trade Commission- new “watchdog” agency that could end unfair business practices.

Wilson pushes for Underwood Act to substantially reduce tariffs. 16th Amendment (1913) legalized a graduated federal income tax, which provided revenue for the federal government by taxing individual earnings and corporate profits. Federal Reserve System- private banking system under federal control.

II. Women Win Suffrage College-educated women spread suffrage message to working class. WWI gave women the opportunity to “prove themselves” to the rest of society. 19th Amendment (1920) grants women the right to vote.

III. The Limits of Progressivism Like Roosevelt and Taft, Wilson retreated on civil rights once in office. Opposed anti-lynching legislation and desegregation. NAACP felt betrayed by Wilson.