how was president Woodrow Wilson truly a progressive president?
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/woodrowwilson
Woodrow Wilson is widely regarded as a progressive president due to his policies and initiatives that aimed to reform and improve various aspects of American society. Here are some key reasons why Wilson is considered a progressive president:
1. Trust-Busting: Wilson advocated for breaking up and regulating large corporations, aiming to reduce their power and influence over the economy. One of his major achievements was the passage of the Clayton Antitrust Act in 1914, which strengthened existing antitrust laws and further curtailed monopolistic practices.
To learn more about Wilson's trust-busting efforts, you can search for articles or books on his antitrust policies, the impact of the Clayton Antitrust Act, and the broader context of trust-busting during his presidency.
2. Progressive Tax Reform: Wilson implemented crucial tax reform through the passage of the Underwood-Simmons Act of 1913, which significantly lowered the tariffs on imported goods and introduced the first federal income tax in the United States since the Civil War. This income tax targeted the wealthy more heavily and aimed to reduce income inequality.
To delve deeper into Wilson's tax policies and the Underwood-Simmons Act, you can search for academic papers, historical analyses, or government documents related to this topic.
3. Federal Reserve System: In 1913, Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act into law, which established the Federal Reserve System as the central banking system of the United States. This move aimed to provide greater stability and regulation to the country's financial system, influencing interest rates and promoting economic growth.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the Federal Reserve System and Wilson's role in its establishment, you can read books or research articles on the Federal Reserve Act, central banking, and the objectives and functions of the Federal Reserve.
4. Women's Suffrage: While Wilson's views on women's suffrage were initially ambivalent, he eventually became a vocal supporter of the movement. He actively pushed for the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. Wilson's endorsement and lobbying efforts were crucial in achieving this milestone for women's rights.
To explore Wilson's evolving stance on women's suffrage and his contributions to the passage of the 19th Amendment, you can refer to historical accounts, biographies, or primary sources like speeches and letters from that period.
To assess Wilson's overall progressivism, it is essential to consider both his accomplishments and limitations. As with any historical analysis, it is beneficial to consult multiple sources to gain a well-rounded perspective on the subject.