10. Woodrow Wilson promised to reform an industrial program that "restricts the liberties and limits the opportunities of labor."
List and describe at least two reforms wilson pushed to fix these issues
1. The Clayton Antitrust Act: One of the significant reforms introduced by Woodrow Wilson was the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914. This act aimed to address the immense power of big businesses and monopolies in the industrial sector. The act strengthened existing antitrust legislation, particularly the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, and made it more effective in regulating unfair competition practices. It prohibited various anti-competitive behaviors such as price discrimination, exclusive dealing, and tying contracts. By doing so, it aimed to foster fair competition and protect the rights of workers by discouraging the concentration of power in a few hands, thus providing greater opportunities for labor and promoting economic justice.
2. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Another important reform pursued by Woodrow Wilson was the establishment of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 1914. The FTC was created to serve as an independent federal agency responsible for protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace. Its main objectives included preventing unfair business practices, investigating antitrust violations, and promoting truthfulness and transparency in advertising. By effectively monitoring and regulating industrial activities, the FTC aimed to eliminate deceptive business practices that restricted the liberties and limited the opportunities of labor. Through these reforms, Wilson sought to strike a balance between regulating industrial giants and preserving fair competition, ultimately benefiting both workers and consumers.