Wilsonian Progressivism at Home and Abroad (1912-1916)

Wilsonian Progressivism at Home and Abroad (1912–1916)

  • Introduction to Wilsonian Progressivism

  • Woodrow Wilson critiques the concentration of capital and its effects on competition, stating the laws fail to protect the weak from the strong.

  • Wilson becomes a celebrated progressive leader, rising from academia to politics in New Jersey, promising reform against trusts and returning governance to the people.

  • The 1912 Presidential Election

  • Wilson’s nomination occurs after multiple ballots at the Democratic convention, with support from William Jennings Bryan.

  • The New Freedom platform emphasizes antitrust legislation, banking reform, and tariff reductions.

  • Theodore Roosevelt, angered by Taft's presidency, runs under the Progressive Republican ticket, advocating for social justice and women's suffrage.

  • The election divides the Republican vote, leading to Wilson’s victory with 435 electoral votes, though he gains only 41% of the popular vote, marking him as a minority president.

  • Wilson’s Early Presidency and Reforms

  • Wilson sets forth a program targeting the "triple wall of privilege": the tariff, banks, and trusts.

  • He tackles the Underwood Tariff in 1913, successfully pushing for reduced rates while implementing the graduated income tax via the Sixteenth Amendment.

  • Banking Reforms: The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 provides a decentralized banking system, addressing the need for currency elasticity and establishing regional reserve districts.

  • Trust Regulation

  • The Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 and the Clayton Anti-Trust Act enhance regulations, targeting unfair trade practices and protecting labor unions from antitrust actions.

  • The Clayton Act is celebrated by labor activists, providing legal protections for unions and delineating unfair business practices.

  • Wilson’s Record on Labor and Welfare

  • New legislation, such as the La Follette Seamen’s Act of 1915 for seamen’s rights and the Workingmen’s Compensation Act of 1916, grant labor benefits and protections.

  • Wilson’s progressive stance includes advocating for agricultural advancements, although he falls short regarding racial issues, reinforcing segregation within federal roles.

  • Foreign Policy Shifts

  • Wilson distances himself from imperialist policies, rejecting Taft's dollar diplomacy and intervening less aggressively in Latin American affairs, focusing on moral diplomacy.

  • The U.S. engages in the Mexican Revolution, grappling with issues of intervention and the overthrow of President Huerta, but avoiding deeper involvement until later conflicts arise.

  • World War I Begins

  • Europe enters a major armed conflict in 1914; Wilson maintains a stance of American neutrality despite pressures and significant economic ties to the Allies.

  • American businesses thrive from wartime production, leading to a complex relationship with both sides of the conflict, increasing trade with the Allies while attempting to adhere to neutrality.

  • Emerging Conflicts

  • Wilson faces challenges with German U-boats and is forced to navigate incidents like the sinking of the Lusitania, which stirs public and political sentiments toward intervention.

  • His administration addresses threats to American ships, balancing between maintaining neutrality and accountability for German actions.

  • Reelection Campaign of 1916

  • Running on the slogan "He Kept Us Out of War," Wilson manages to win re-election amidst a competitive backdrop with Hughes representing the Republicans.

  • The election emphasizes progressive reforms and working-class support, reflecting Wilson's successful alignment with the electorate's desires amidst international tensions.

  • Conclusion

  • Wilson’s presidency marked an era of significant reform, moral diplomacy, and the beginning of modern economic regulations, albeit facing distinct challenges both domestically and overseas as the world approached deeper conflict in World War I.