1. Progressivism Under Taft & Wilson – Notes

2. I. Taft Becomes President William H. Taft (R) won election of 1908. Continues Progressive reforms (trusts). Not as effective as Roosevelt. Two areas in which Taft had difficulties: 1.Tariffs (promised to lower, but only slightly) 2.Conservation (hired Sec. of interior who gave a lot of land to private businesses, hired head of Forestry because he criticized Taft)

3. II. Republican Party Splits in 1912 Two wings of Republican Party: 1.Progressives- want change (became “Bull Moose” Party, led by Teddy who sought 3 rd term) 2. Conservatives- do not want reform

4. III. Democrats Win Election in 1912 4 Man Race for President: 1.Democrats: Woodrow Wilson 2.Progressive (Bull Moose): Teddy Roosevelt 3.Republicans: William Howard Taft 4.Socialists: Eugene Debs 1912 Winner: Woodrow Wilson

5. Wilson’s New Freedom

6. 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. –Federal Trade Commission- new “watchdog” agency that could end unfair business practices.

7. I. Cont… Wilson pushes for Underwood Act to substantially reduce tariffs. 16 th Amendment (1913) legalized a graduated federal income tax, which provided revenue for the federal gov’t by taxing individual earnings and corporate profits. Federal Reserve System- private banking system under federal control.

8. II. Women Win Suffrage College-educated women spread suffrage message to working class. 19 th Amendment (1920) grants women the right to vote.

9. III. The Limits of Progressivism Like Roosevelt and Taft, Wilson retreated on civil rights once in office. Opposed legislation on desegregation. NAACP felt betrayed by Wilson. Conclusion: Wilson refused to expand civil rights of African-Americans.