THE PROGRESSIVE ERA (1900-1920)

The Presidency of Woodrow Wilson

LESSON 26 Wilsonian Progressivism (1912-1916)

Progressives’ impact on the Election of 1912

I. Election of 1912: Three candidates emerged

A. Republicans WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT

B. Democrats WOODROW WILSON

C. Progressives THEODORE ROOSEVELT (“Bull Moose Party”)

The Republicans and Progressives split the vote and Wilson emerged as the winner

How did Wilson approach domestic policy?

II. Political aspects of Wilson’s Presidency

A. Believed in strong Presidential leadership (shared TR’s viewpoint)

B. NEW FREEDOM: Wilson’s progressive domestic program geared toward strengthening and preserving democracy and capitalism in America

How did Wilson approach domestic policy?

Elements of Wilson’s New Freedom program

Lower tariffs on imports greater focus on using income taxes to raise federal revenue (16th Amendment – Graduated Income Tax)

Improved banking procedures through the Federal Reserve System (1913)

Better regulation of business and protection of unions and workers

CLAYTON ANTITRUST ACT (1914)

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ACT (1914)

How did World War I define Wilson’s foreign policy?

III. World War I (1914-1918)

A. Fundamental causes of WWI

M.A.I.N.

MILITARISM:

European nations greatly expanded armed forces at turn of 20th century arms race

How did World War I define Wilson’s foreign policy?

ALLIANCES:

Long-standing defensive alliances were triggered

TRIPLE ENTENTE (Allied Powers): England, France, Russia

TRIPLE ALLIANCE (Central Powers): Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy

How did World War I define Wilson’s foreign policy?

IMPERIALISM:

European powers were in strong competition for raw materials and new markets

NATIONALISM:

Smaller nations emerged from breakup of Ottoman Empire and revolutions in Europe

What led to America’s entry into the Great War?

B. U.S. entry into WWI1. Unrestricted

submarine warfare: Germans violated “freedom of the seas”

2. Sinking of the Lusitania (1915): British passenger liner sunk by German u-boat 1,198 total dead 128 Americans Triggered U.S.

support of British

What led to America’s entry into the Great War?

3. Violation of Sussex Pledge (1916): Germans promised to end unrestricted submarine warfare after Lusitania incident, but broke pledge within months of sinking

4. Propaganda: Reports from war somewhat exaggerated by British press built up war fever in U.S.

What led to America’s entry into the Great War?

5. Zimmermann Note: Note from German Ambassador to Mexican government requesting them to invade U.S.

6. American economic interests: Naval blockades in Atlantic were hurting American trade; U.S. afraid to lend Allies money

7. Idealism: The world would be better if the Allies won “The war to end all wars”

How did America respond to the war effort?

C. America at War: The Home Front

1. Increase in Presidential Power: Wilson successfully directed the military and the war economy

2. Espionage and Sedition Acts

1917: ESPIONAGE ACTSet penalties for spying on American war activities or obstruction of war effort Schenck v. U.S. (“clear and present danger” principle)

1918: SEDITION ACTSet penalties for speaking out against the government during wartime

How did America respond to the war effort?

3. Financing the war

Income and excise taxes raised

Sale of Victory and Liberty Bonds to pay for war

4. Military force SELECTIVE SERVICE ACTDrafting of nearly 3 million Americans to fight in Great War

The Fourteen Points: Wilson’s peace plan for the Great War

D. President Wilson’s Fourteen Points Open treaties of peace

Freedom of the seas

Removal of international trade barriers

Reduction of armaments (weapons and armed forces)

Self-determination for former colonies

Adjustment of European boundaries (points 6-13)

Establishment of the League of Nations

Why was Wilson’s plan rejected?

IV. U.S. Refusal to Join the League of Nations

A. Establishment and purpose of League: Outlined by Wilson in Treaty of Versailles

1. Deal with economic and social problems

2. Encourage disarmament

3. Settle disputes among nations; fight aggression with sanctions or military force

Why was Wilson’s plan rejected?

B. Why did the Senate reject the Treaty?

1. League may involve the U.S. in conflict

2. League would push U.S. away from isolationism

3. Checks and balances: Senate must approve all treaties, and Senate did oppose the Treaty of Versailles U.S. returned to isolationism

C. League failed: U.S. and other major nations did not join the League This became a major cause of World War II