The Taft Wilson Years Taft becomes President Refusing

The Taft & Wilson Years

Taft becomes President • Refusing a 3 rd term, TR hand picks successor. • William Howard Taft angers his party’s progressive wing. – Doesn’t cut tariffs as much as promised – Public land can be used for industry.

Republican Party Split I want the BULL MOOSE Party to Win! • Taft’s support of Boss Joe Cannon further alienates Progressive republicans. • Republican Party splits, TR comes back to lead Bull Moose Party. – TR boasted he was as strong as a Bull Moose • Democrats nominate Woodrow Wilson for President

The Election of 1912 • Woodrow Wilson, reform governor from New Jersey, wins election of 1912. – Campaign turned nasty • 75% of votes go to candidates who support reform.

Wilson brings reforms • Woodrow Wilson attacked the trusts with the Federal Trade Act and Clayton Anti. Trust Act. • Wilson established Federal Reserve System. • Wilson lowers tariffs, making up revenue loss with new income tax, the 16 th amendment.

Comparing the 3 Progressive Presidents Category of reform How they became President Consumer protection Approach to government corruption Economic Reform Biggest Accomplishments Teddy Roosevelt Taft Wilson

Voting Rights for Women • Women press for voting rights, winning some local battles. • Carrie Chapman Catt became president of NAWSA • 19 th Amendment in 1920 finally gives women the right to vote

Limits to Progressivism • Wilson retreats on civil rights – Fails to pass anti-lynching laws – Segregation in nation’s capital returns • Reforms pushed aside as America goes into WWI.