The Progressive Era | The New Freedom | 5
American History Tellers explores President Woodrow Wilson's complex relationship with the Progressive Era. Under Wilson's leadership, major economic reforms targeted tariffs, banks, and trusts, resulting in significant legislation like the Federal Reserve Act. However, Wilson's resistance to social justice issues, including women's suffrage and racial equality, created tension with progressives, while his decision to enter World War I divided the movement further.
The episode examines how the war transformed American society, leading to labor reforms and boosted membership in unions, while inadvertently advancing both prohibition and women's suffrage movements. The summary details how the progressive movement ultimately lost momentum after the war, with the death of Theodore Roosevelt, Wilson's declining health, and the election of Warren G. Harding marking the transition from progressive ideals to the culture of the Roaring Twenties.
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1-Page Summary
Wilson's Domestic Reform Agenda and Conflict With Progressives
President Wilson launched an ambitious economic reform program, delivering his legislative plans directly to Congress. His "triple wall of privilege" agenda targeted tariffs, banks, and trusts, resulting in landmark legislation including the Underwood Tariff, Federal Reserve Act, and Federal Trade Commission Act.
Despite these economic reforms, Wilson faced criticism from progressives for his stance on social justice issues. He resisted supporting women's suffrage and child labor laws, while his administration implemented segregation policies in federal offices. When confronted by Black activist William Monroe Trotter about these policies, Wilson defended them as protective measures, drawing further outrage from civil rights advocates.
Isolationism vs. Intervention in WWI
Wilson initially maintained U.S. neutrality in World War I, despite pressure from imperialist Republicans like Theodore Roosevelt. However, German submarine attacks on American merchant vessels in 1917 prompted Wilson to enter the war to "make the world safe for democracy."
The move toward war sparked division among progressives. Senator Robert La Follette led a successful filibuster against arming merchant ships, arguing that war would benefit industrialists like J.P. Morgan while derailing domestic reforms.
Wartime Expansion of Government Power and Its Effect on Progressivism
The war brought sweeping changes to American society. The War Labor Board mandated significant reforms, including an eight-hour workday and union recognition. Union membership soared to nearly three million Americans. The war effort also inadvertently boosted both prohibition and women's suffrage movements.
However, the 1918 midterm elections saw voters reject Wilson's Democrats, leading to the dismantling of wartime agencies. A subsequent "Red Scare" targeted both socialists and mainstream reformers, including respected progressive leader Jane Addams, who faced event cancellations and public backlash.
Demise of the Progressive Movement Post-War
The progressive movement lost momentum after WWI. The death of Theodore Roosevelt and Wilson's debilitating stroke left the movement without strong leadership. Jane Addams noted the absence of "reforming energy" among youth, while domestic unrest in 1919, including race riots and strikes, fueled conservative opposition.
The election of Warren G. Harding in 1920 marked the end of the Progressive Era. Harding won on promises of a "return to normalcy" and proceeded to roll back Wilson's economic reforms. As the Roaring Twenties began, Americans increasingly prioritized personal freedom and pleasure over progressive reform ideals.
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Actionables
- You can reflect on historical policies by comparing past and present government actions on social issues. For example, research current policies on social justice, compare them with Wilson's era, and write a brief analysis on how attitudes and policies have evolved. This exercise can deepen your understanding of social progress and its challenges.
- Enhance your civic engagement by learning about the impact of historical movements on modern legislation. Start by identifying a recent law that aligns with progressive ideals, such as labor rights or social equality. Trace its roots back to reforms from the early 20th century to appreciate the long-term effects of activism.
- Cultivate an appreciation for historical context in current political discourse by creating a timeline of major political shifts over the last century. Include events like the end of the Progressive Era, the Roaring Twenties, and compare them to shifts in today's political climate. This can help you understand the cyclical nature of political priorities and societal values.
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Wilson's Domestic Reform Agenda and Conflict With Progressives
President Woodrow Wilson's tenure was marked by significant domestic reforms focused on revamping the economic infrastructure, but his administration drew ire from progressives for a lack of commitment to social justice.
Wilson Utilized Presidential Powers to Advance Reforms in Banking, Tariffs, and Trusts
Wilson set forth on his reformative journey with boldness, symbolized by his personal delivery of legislative plans to Congress. His inaugural address emphasized the need for an assault on the "triple wall of privilege," targeting tariffs, banks, and trusts. He wasted no time, calling Congress into a special session to commence tariff reform, reflecting his hands-on approach to his legislative agenda.
Wilson's Progressive Reforms: Underwood Tariff, Federal Reserve Act, FTC Act
Over the course of two years, Wilson fiercely advocated for a suite of progressive legislation that aimed to forge a more equitable economy. The House, aligned with his views, passed a bill that significantly lowered the taxes on imported goods. Wilson believed that high tariffs unfairly benefited industry elites at the expense of ordinary citizens. These efforts cumulated in progressive landmarks like the Underwood Tariff, the establishment of the Federal Reserve Act, and the Federal Trade Commission Act.
Wilson's Reforms Praised by Progressives, Criticized For Lacking Social Justice
Although praised for his economic reforms, Wilson attracted criticism from progressives for his reluctance to engage with social justice issues.
Wilson Resisted Supporting Women's Suffrage, Child Labor Laws, and Black Civil Rights
The very day of his inaugural address, Wilson was met with a stark reminder of the social justice issues coalescing around his presidency: a protest by 5,000 suffragists highlighting the omission of women's suffrage from his speech. The violent responses they encountered underscored the systemic disregard for women's rights. Within his administration, despite a push from progressives, Wilson did not endorse organized labor, child labor laws, or women's suffrage, signaling his resistance to such causes.
Wilson's Administration Segregated Federal Government, Sparking Black Activists' Outrage
Wilson's stance on civil rights faced direct protest when activists presented a petition, signed by tens of thousands, decrying the segregation policies under his administration. The division extended to demotions and dismissals of loya ...
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Wilson's Domestic Reform Agenda and Conflict With Progressives
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The "triple wall of privilege" referred to by Woodrow Wilson symbolized his targets for reform: tariffs, banks, and trusts. Wilson aimed to dismantle these structures that he believed favored the wealthy and powerful over ordinary citizens. This phrase encapsulated his mission to break down economic barriers and create a more equitable system.
- The Underwood Tariff was a significant piece of legislation passed during Woodrow Wilson's presidency in 1913. It aimed to reform the tariff system by significantly lowering taxes on imported goods, making it a key part of Wilson's progressive economic agenda. The tariff was named after Representative Oscar Underwood, who played a crucial role in its development and passage. This reform was part of Wilson's broader efforts to create a more equitable economy by reducing the influence of industry elites.
- The Federal Reserve Act, passed in 1913, established the Federal Reserve System as the central banking system of the United States. It created a network of regional Federal Reserve Banks responsible for managing the country's money supply and overseeing banks. The Act also set up the Federal Reserve Board of Governors to lead the system and ensure its effective operation. Additionally, the Act was later amended to include provisions for the Federal Open Market Committee to oversee the Federal Reserve's open market operations.
- The FTC Act stands for the Federal Trade Commission Act. It is a key piece of legislation that empowers the Federal Trade Commission to prevent unfair methods of competition and deceptive practices in commerce. The Act serves as the foundation for t ...
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Isolationism vs. Intervention in WWI
The United States' entry into World War I was marked by internal debates over isolationist policies and the need for intervention, with President Wilson initially vowing neutrality but later changing his stance.
Amid Neutrality Sentiment, Wilson Led U.S. Into WWI In 1917 After German Sub Attacks
Wilson Resisted Calls From Imperialist Republicans to Intervene In the European Conflict, Insisting On American Neutrality
In 1914, amid the outbreak of the European war, President Woodrow Wilson committed to keeping the United States neutral, a decision widely supported by the American public. Despite pressure from Theodore Roosevelt and other imperialist members of the Republican Party who deemed his neutrality stance as traitorous and worse than the Germans, Wilson resisted their calls for intervention. Arguing that war would only divide the nation, Wilson chose to prioritize his domestic agenda over foreign entanglements.
Germany's Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Led Wilson to Seek War to "Make the World Safe for Democracy."
However, the turning point came when German submarines began unrestricted warfare in the Atlantic, sinking four American merchant vessels in late March 1917. The attacks swayed public sentiment and led Wilson to advocate for entering the war to "make the world safe for democracy."
Progressives Divided Over War Entry, Fearing Reform Distraction
La Follette Filibustered Against Arming Ships, Feared U.S. War Entry
A significant concern among progressives, including Senator Robert La Follette, was that U.S. entry into the war could derail their reform efforts. La Follette led a group of like-minded senators in filibustering a bill that would have armed U.S. merchant ships against German submarine attacks. They aimed to stall the bill’s ...
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Isolationism vs. Intervention in WWI
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Counterarguments
- Wilson's shift from neutrality to intervention could be seen as a pragmatic response to changing circumstances rather than a betrayal of his initial stance.
- Some historians argue that the imperialist Republicans were advocating for a realistic approach to protect American interests and allies abroad.
- Prioritizing domestic agenda over foreign entanglements may have been short-sighted given the global implications of the war.
- The notion of making the world safe for democracy can be criticized as overly idealistic or as a pretext for pursuing other strategic interests.
- Progressives' fears about the war distracting from domestic reforms could be countered by the argument that global stability is a prerequisite for lasting domestic progress.
- The effectiveness of La Follette's filibuster in preventing war entry is debatable, as it may have only delayed the inevitable.
- The belief that war efforts would primarily benefit industrialists overlooks the broader economic and social impacts of the war, including on wor ...
Actionables
- You can explore the impact of historical decisions on current events by comparing past leaders' choices with those of today's leaders. For instance, examine a current leader's stance on international conflict and compare it with President Wilson's initial neutrality in WWI. This can help you understand the long-term effects of such decisions on a nation's foreign and domestic policies.
- Enhance your critical thinking by analyzing how economic interests influence political decisions. Take a current political issue, like a proposed trade agreement, and investigate which industries stand to gain or lose from it. This mirrors La Follette's concern that war efforts would benefit industrialists, and it can help you discern the motivations behind political actions.
- Develop your persuasive ...
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Wartime Expansion of Government Power and Its Effect on Progressivism
With the United States' involvement in World War I under President Woodrow Wilson, a substantial expansion of government control and economic regulation reshaped the American landscape, setting the stage for both progress and backlash within the progressive movement.
Wilson's Administration Expanded Government Control and Economic Regulation
Under Wilson's administration, the United States saw sweeping changes due to wartime needs, including labor reforms and increased economic regulation.
War Labor Board Mandated Labor Reforms: Eight-Hour Workday, Union Recognition
Despite his initial stance on neutrality, President Wilson was drawn into international conflict, compelling him to prepare the U.S. for war. This preparation included labor regulation, such as the mandating of an eight-hour workday for railroad workers in the spring of 1916 and approving workmen's compensation for federal workers injured on the job.
Influential industry leaders like Elbert Gary, chairman of U.S. Steel, were pressed by the chair of the War Labor Policies Board to adopt this eight-hour workday to ensure worker safety and the success of the war effort. U.S. Steel, after having resisted the War Labor Board's rulings and under threat of having their correspondence publicized, considered compliance.
The War Labor Board championed union demands fostering organized labor policies like the eight-hour workday, union recognition, collective bargaining, and a living wage. By the war's end, union membership skyrocketed to nearly three million Americans, a testament to the transformative power of these government-enforced reforms.
Wartime Rules, Propaganda Boost Prohibition, Women’s Suffrage
World War I unintentionally supported the prohibitionist and suffrage movements. Prohibitionists linked anti-German sentiment, a byproduct of the war, with the brewing industry predominantly run by German immigrants. Propaganda campaigns urged that grain be reserved for soldiers and starving Europeans rather than alcohol production, leading to the passage of the 18th Amendment in December 1917 and the ensuing Prohibition law in 1920.
Simultaneously, the suffrage movement gained momentum during the war by highlighting the contradiction of President Wilson's advocacy for democracy abroad while denying women the right to vote. The critical contributions of women to wartime manufacturing further fortified arguments for their equal participation in democracy.
Government's Wartime Powers and Backlash Undermined Many Reforms
The expansion of wartime government powers, while initially forwarding progressive causes, also planted the seeds for its own rebuff and undermined many reforms.
Post-1918 Midterms: Voters Punish Wilson's Democrats, Prompting Dismantling of Wartime Agencies, Frustrates Progressives
The aftermath of World War I brought about a palpable popular backlash ...
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Wartime Expansion of Government Power and Its Effect on Progressivism
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Counterarguments
- The eight-hour workday and workmen's compensation were significant reforms, but they primarily benefited a subset of workers, such as railroad and federal workers, and did not extend to all industries or workers.
- While the War Labor Board did champion union demands, it can be argued that these changes were primarily driven by the exigencies of war rather than a fundamental commitment to labor rights, and they may not have been sustained in the post-war period.
- The support for Prohibition and women's suffrage movements may have been bolstered by wartime conditions, but these movements had pre-war origins and were driven by long-standing social and political campaigns, not just wartime propaganda.
- The backlash against progressive policies after World War I could be seen as a natural reassertion of American values of individualism and limited government, rather than a simple rejection of progressivism.
- The Republican victory in the 1918 midterms could be interpreted as a complex response to a variety of issues, including but not limited to war fatigue, economic concerns, and a desire for a return to "normalcy," rather than a straightforward mandate against progres ...
Actionables
- Explore the history of labor rights by visiting a local museum or historical society that features exhibits on early 20th-century American labor movements. This can provide a tangible connection to the struggles and victories of workers from the past, such as the eight-hour workday, and inspire appreciation for the labor protections we have today.
- Create a personal "Red Scare" awareness campaign by reading books and watching documentaries about this period, then sharing insights with friends or on social media. This self-education can help you understand the impact of political fear on civil liberties and encourage informed discussions about current events that may parallel past injustices.
- Reflect on the evolution of political par ...
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Demise of the Progressive Movement Post-War
Following the end of World War I, the Progressive Movement in the United States began to decline as the nation collectively turned away from the reformative ideologies that had previously gained momentum.
Post-WWI, Progressive Movement Declines as Nation Rejects Reform
Roosevelt's Death and Wilson's Debilitation Left Progressives Voiceless
With the death of Theodore Roosevelt in 1919 and the debilitating stroke suffered by President Wilson, the Progressive Movement found itself without its influential leaders, thereby losing its direction and voice within the political arena. This left the movement without the strong leadership needed to continue its reformist agenda during a challenging period of domestic upheaval.
1919 Unrest and Violence Fueled Conservative Backlash
Jane Addams, a revered figure among progressives and crucial voice for the movement, faced public opposition due to her early stance against the war, which contributed to the silencing of progressive leaders and caused the movement to lose its prime asset: respectability. The disillusionment with the progressive movement was compounded by the domestic unrest and violence of 1919—characterized by race riots, fierce competition for jobs and housing due to the migration of Black Southerners to Northern cities, white mob violence, frequent lynching, and a surge in strikes—all heightening fears of a socialist revolution. This unstable environment triggered a conservative backlash against progressive reforms.
Warren G. Harding's Election Ends Progressive Era
Harding's Administration Rolled Back Wilson's Economic Reforms
The 1920 presidential election marked the definitive end of the Progressive Era. Warren G. Harding, a conservative Republican, won the presidency with promises of a "return to normalcy" and portrayed progressivism as responsible for the chaos of post-war America. Once in office, Harding and subsequent Republican admini ...
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Demise of the Progressive Movement Post-War
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Clarifications
- The Progressive Movement in the United States aimed to address social and political issues caused by industrialization and urbanization. Key principles included advocating for government intervention to promote social welfare, regulating big business to ensure fair competition, and fighting corruption in politics. The movement sought to improve working conditions, expand democracy, and promote social justice through reforms like labor rights, women's suffrage, and environmental conservation.
- Theodore Roosevelt was a key figure in the Progressive Movement, known for his trust-busting policies and conservation efforts. Woodrow Wilson, as a progressive president, implemented reforms such as the Federal Reserve Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act. Their leadership and policies significantly shaped the direction and impact of the Progressive Movement in the United States.
- In 1919, the United States experienced significant domestic unrest and violence, including race riots, labor strikes, and white mob violence. These events heightened fears of a socialist revolution and contributed to a conservative backlash against progressive reforms. The migration of Black Southerners to Northern cities also fueled competition for jobs and housing, exacerbating tensions. The combination of these factors created a volatile environment that led to a rejection of progressive ideals in favor of more conservative approaches.
- Warren G. Harding's administration rolled back several progressive economic reforms that aimed to regulate big businesses and protect workers. Some of these reforms included anti-trust measures, labor rights protections, and regulations on corporate practices. Harding's policies favored a more hands-off approach to the economy, promoting business growth with less government inter ...
Counterarguments
- The decline of the Progressive Movement was not solely due to the rejection of reformative ideologies; it was also a result of broader cultural and economic shifts post-WWI, including the desire for stability after a period of war and upheaval.
- While the deaths and incapacitation of key leaders like Roosevelt and Wilson weakened the Progressive Movement, it could be argued that movements are not solely dependent on individual leaders and can continue to thrive with collective leadership and grassroots support.
- The unrest and violence of 1919 may have contributed to a conservative backlash, but it also could be seen as a catalyst for future progressive reforms by highlighting systemic inequalities and injustices that needed to be addressed.
- Harding's election and subsequent rollback of economic reforms were not the sole factors ending the Progressive Era; the movement's decline was also influenced by internal divisions and a failure to adapt to the changing political landscape.
- The prioritization of personal freedom and pleasure during the Roaring Twenties does not necessarily equate to a reje ...
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