"The New Freedom" by Woodrow Wilson is a collection of his campaign speeches and writings from the 1912 U.S. presidential election. Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States, serving from 1913 to 1921. "The New Freedom" is a compilation of Wilson's ideas and vision for a more progressive and reformed America.
The book, published in 1913, played a significant role in Wilson's successful campaign and his subsequent presidency. In "The New Freedom," Wilson advocated for a series of progressive reforms aimed at curbing the power of big businesses and restoring economic competition. He believed that the concentration of wealth and corporate power in the hands of a few had led to economic and political corruption, stifling opportunities for the average American. Wilson's vision included policies to promote small businesses and to create a fair and just economic system. Key ideas and proposals in
"The New Freedom" included:
Antitrust Legislation: Wilson called for the enforcement of antitrust laws to break up large monopolistic corporations and ensure competition in the marketplace. He believed that trust-busting would promote economic fairness and opportunities for small entrepreneurs.
Banking and Currency Reform: The book emphasized the need for banking and currency reform to establish a more stable and equitable financial system. This eventually led to the creation of the Federal Reserve System during Wilson's presidency.
Tariff Reform: Wilson advocated for tariff reductions to lower the cost of goods for consumers and promote international trade.
Labor Rights: He supported the rights of workers to organize and bargain collectively, which laid the groundwork for later labor laws.
Government Regulation: Wilson believed in a more active role for the government in regulating various aspects of the economy, such as the protection of consumers, workers, and the environment.
"The New Freedom" reflected the broader progressive movement of the early 20th century, which sought to address the social and economic challenges arising from industrialization and the growth of big corporations. Woodrow Wilson's presidency saw the implementation of many of these ideas, and his policies had a lasting impact on American governance and society.
