chapter 9. section 1 protecting social welfare promoting moral improvement
TRANSCRIPT
Wilson’s Background Grew up in the South
during the Civil War and Reconstruction, raised by Presbyterian ministers
Worked as a lawyer and history professor before entering politics
His goal as president was to attack trusts, tariffs and high finance
Antitrust Measures
Clayton Antitrust Act: companies cannot buy the stock of another if doing so would create a monopoly
Unions would no longer be subject to trust laws
Federal Trade Commission, watchdog agency that investigates possible violations, receives reports and ends unfair business practices
A New Tax System
Wants to pass the Underwood Act which would substantially lower tariffs
Calls Congress to a special session and establishes the precedent of giving the State of the Union in person
Business lobbyists all asked Congress to reject the act and Wilson asked people to monitor their Senator’s vote
Federal Income Tax
Because of the lower tariffs, the government wasn’t making enough money and had to raise taxes
16th amendment, legalized a graduated income tax (between 1 and 6 % depending on income)
Soon started making more on income tax than ever had made on tariffs
Federal Reserve System
Decentralized private banking system under federal control
12 districts, 1 regional bank that serves the others
Can issue paper currency in an emergency and allow member banks to use that to make loans, can transfer money to member banks in trouble, still serves as our banking basis
Local Suffrage Battles
By 1910 only had voting rights in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Washington and Idaho
Spread the message of suffrage to poor and working class women with the unusual sight of women speaking in public
Those who travelled also brought back the movement from England
Catt and the National Movement NAWSA and Catt concentrated on Organization, close ties between local, state
and national workers, establishing a wide base of support, cautious lobbying, gracious ladylike behavior
Some didn’t like this and founded a more radical group to put pressure on government to pass a suffrage amendment, picketed around the clock
Arrested, jailed, force-fed but successful (after WWI) with 19th amendment
Wilson and Civil Rights
When running he supports it, but changes attitude once elected
Appoints segregation supporters to cabinet
Rejects African-American delegation