Woodrow Wilson's New Freedom

Definition

Woodrow Wilson's New Freedom was a domestic policy program that aimed to promote economic reform and enhance individual freedoms by reducing the power of monopolies and regulating big businesses. This initiative sought to dismantle the monopolistic practices that dominated industries, ensuring that small businesses could compete fairly in the marketplace. New Freedom emphasized tariff reduction, banking reform, and antitrust legislation, reflecting the progressive ideals of the early 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wilson's New Freedom was heavily influenced by his belief in limited government and a competitive economy, which contrasted with Theodore Roosevelt's New Nationalism that favored stronger government intervention.
2. The New Freedom program led to significant reforms such as the establishment of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prevent unfair business practices.
3. Wilson's administration passed the Clayton Antitrust Act in 1914, which aimed to strengthen antitrust regulations and address corporate abuses more effectively.
4. The Underwood Tariff Act was a crucial component of New Freedom, significantly reducing tariffs and implementing a progressive income tax to increase government revenue.
5. New Freedom also focused on improving access to credit for small businesses by reforming the banking system through the Federal Reserve Act.

Review Questions

• How did Woodrow Wilson's New Freedom address the issue of monopolies in American industry?
  • Woodrow Wilson's New Freedom specifically targeted monopolies by promoting reforms designed to break up large corporations and enhance competition in the marketplace. The implementation of antitrust legislation, particularly the Clayton Antitrust Act, was a key aspect of this initiative. By restricting anti-competitive practices and allowing for fairer competition, Wilson sought to empower small businesses and protect consumer rights against corporate domination.
• Evaluate the impact of the Underwood Tariff Act as part of Wilson's New Freedom on American economic policies.
  • The Underwood Tariff Act significantly reshaped American economic policies by lowering tariffs for the first time in decades and introducing a graduated income tax. This move aimed to reduce reliance on tariff revenue, which disproportionately benefited wealthy industrialists. The Act was pivotal in shifting the economy toward greater equity and allowed consumers to benefit from lower prices on goods, making it a cornerstone of Wilson’s commitment to fostering competition and reducing corporate power.
• Analyze how Wilson's New Freedom compared to Roosevelt's New Nationalism in terms of government intervention and economic philosophy.
  • Wilson's New Freedom contrasted sharply with Roosevelt's New Nationalism, as it emphasized limited government intervention and championed small business interests over large corporations. While Roosevelt supported a strong federal role in regulating big businesses for social justice, Wilson believed that reducing monopolistic power would naturally lead to greater economic freedom and competition. This ideological divide highlights differing views on how best to achieve progressivism, with Wilson advocating for a more hands-off approach that relied on dismantling existing monopolies rather than regulating them.

Related terms

Federal Reserve Act:

A 1913 law that established the Federal Reserve System, which serves as the central banking system of the United States, aimed at providing a more stable financial system.

Clayton Antitrust Act: A 1914 legislation that strengthened previous antitrust laws by prohibiting specific business practices and protecting labor unions from being prosecuted as monopolies.

Underwood Tariff Act:

A 1913 law that lowered tariffs and introduced a graduated income tax, aimed at reducing the government's reliance on tariff revenue and promoting economic equity.