Woodrow Wilson New Freedom: Progressive Reforms — Reading Comprehension

President Woodrow Wilson launched a program called the New Freedom after taking office in 1913. The United States was facing problems such as unfair business practices, growing economic inequality, and demands for reform. Many Americans believed that large corporations, or monopolies, had too much power over the economy. Wilson and his supporters saw these economic conditions as harmful to democracy and everyday citizens. They argued that government action was needed to restore fairness and opportunity for all.

At the heart of Wilson’s New Freedom was the idea of breaking up monopolies and promoting competition. He believed that when a small number of companies controlled entire industries, ordinary Americans suffered. Business leaders, on the other hand, sometimes claimed that big companies made the economy stronger. Wilson responded with new laws. For example, the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 strengthened earlier efforts to limit unfair business practices. Wilson declared, “If America is not to have free enterprise, then she can have freedom of no sort whatever.” This quote showed his belief that economic freedom was essential for political liberty.

The New Freedom also focused on helping workers and consumers. Wilson supported the establishment of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to regulate unfair business practices and protect competition. Labor unions, which represented workers, welcomed these reforms. They believed that new laws would protect them from being exploited by powerful corporations. However, some critics argued that too much government interference could hurt business growth and innovation. This debate illustrated the complexity of balancing regulation with economic growth.

Wilson’s reforms did not address all social problems. While he helped pass laws protecting workers, he did little to advance civil rights for African Americans and other minorities. In fact, his administration was criticized for allowing segregation in federal offices. Reformers like Ida B. Wells and W.E.B. Du Bois argued that true progress also required racial equality. This contradiction revealed the limitations of the New Freedom, which focused mainly on economic rather than social reforms.

The impact of the New Freedom was significant. The Clayton Antitrust Act and FTC helped reduce the power of monopolies and made the market fairer for small businesses. The Federal Reserve Act of 1913, another key reform, created a system to stabilize the nation’s banking and money supply. Still, the reforms left many challenges unsolved, especially concerning social justice and equality. The New Freedom showed that reform could bring positive change, but also highlighted the need for ongoing efforts and multiple perspectives in shaping American society.

Interesting Fact: President Wilson was the first sitting president to hold regular press conferences, aiming to communicate directly with the public about his reforms.

What was Wilson's reform program called?

What did the Clayton Antitrust Act do?

When was the Federal Reserve Act passed?

Why did Wilson want to break up monopolies?

What was one criticism of Wilson's reforms?

What was the main purpose of the FTC?

Wilson helped end segregation. True or false?

What does 'reform' mean?