Which issues did Woodrow Wilson's "New Freedom" address in terms of reform?

History · High School · Thu Feb 04 2021

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Woodrow Wilson's "New Freedom" was a collection of speeches and campaign promises made during the 1912 presidential election, which outlined his vision of American reform. The "New Freedom" platform aimed at addressing several issues, primarily focusing on:

1. Antitrust Legislation: Wilson argued for more rigorous antitrust laws to dismantle monopolies and restore economic competition. He believed that large business combinations, or trusts, were detrimental to the economy and to the principles of democracy.

2. Banking Reform: The financial system was seen as an oligarchy that controlled the money supply and credit availability and was in need of reform. Wilson advocated for a more decentralized banking system that would prevent the concentration of financial power in a few hands.

3. Tariff Reduction: Wilson argued for lower tariffs to make American goods more competitive in the international market and lower prices for consumers. High tariffs were seen as benefiting big corporations at the expense of the average consumer.

These three main areas were the focal points of Wilson's campaign. After his election, his administration went on to address these issues through significant legislation.