Study Notes on Woodrow Wilson's Presidency

Introduction to the Topic
- Part of a broader study of the 'three progressive presidents' including Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft.
- Focus on Woodrow Wilson after covering the election of 1912 and influence on his presidency.

Key Candidates
- Woodrow Wilson (Democrat)
- William Howard Taft (Republican)
- Theodore Roosevelt (Progressive Party)
Impact of the Progressives
- Roosevelt's third-party candidacy split the Republican vote, enabling Wilson's victory, as many Republicans opted for Taft or Roosevelt instead of Wilson.

Two-Term Presidency
- Wilson served two terms as president, contributing to significant reforms during the Progressive Era.

Sixteenth Amendment
- Established the federal income tax to generate revenue for government expenses.
- Justification for the tax was largely to fund government reforms and initiatives at the time.
Federal Farm Loan Act (1916)
- Legislation aimed at assisting farmers in obtaining loans, particularly those facing financial hardships.
Labor Reforms
- Keating-Owen Child Labor Act (1916)
- Aimed to limit child labor across various industries, striving for improved labor conditions.
- Legislation to regulate working hours of railroad workers.
Women's Suffrage
- Initially, Wilson was not in favor of women's suffrage.
- After World War I, he shifted his stance and began to support the right to vote for women, leading to significant legal changes.

Transition to Foreign Policy
- The next section will investigate American foreign policy developments during Wilson's administration, illustrating a different aspect of his presidency and its significance in history.
Preparation for Next Topics
- The discussion will move towards the outlook of the American world involvement and foreign affairs, indicating the broader implications of Wilson's presidency.