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Woodrow Wilson 's Progressive Era

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After America had finally established itself as an industrialized and urbanized nation to be reckoned with, the country had turned to follow a new set of ideologies described as progressive thinking; hence, the following of the Progressive Era. The Progressive Era was a period of widespread social activism and political reform that spread across the United States, and was in a response to problems that arose from immigration, industrialization, urbanization, and governmental corruption. Following the Presidential Election in 1912, this set of progressive ideologies was most sought after in a presidential candidate. This is one of the main reasons why Woodrow Wilson had won. Although many other candidates had also followed these progressive …show more content…

Along with this, Wilson had also enacted a second antitrust measure called the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914. The act allowed for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), “...to investigate possible violations of regulatory statutes, to require periodic reports from corporations, and to put an end to a number of unfair business practices,” (The Americans 333). This act was also taken well by the public and allowed for the ceasing and desisting of over 400 cases of illegal activity, proving Wilson to be a positive impact in the political aspects of society. Economically, Wilson followed a similar strategy by administering legislative acts and systems, such as working to lower tariff rates as well as to establish a new type of banking system. Following this effort to curb big business, Wilson tried to lower tariff rates by lobbying in 1913 for the Underwood Act, which would substantially reduce the rates. Because of Wilson’s efforts and perseverance in addressing the issue, “...the new president’s use of the bully pulpit, the Senate voted to cut tariff rates even more deeply than the House had done,” (The Americans 333). Wilson’s persistence in acquiring this reduction of tariff and a greater need to find a way to restore the money that will be lost by these cuts (Federal Income Tax) shows especially how Wilson has economically impacted the Progressive Era. Along with reducing tariff rates, Wilson also aided the era by establishing the Federal Reserve System.

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