Woodrow Wilson's New Freedom Program

Definition

This was President Woodrow Wilson's domestic policy that promoted antitrust modification, tariff revision, and reform in banking and currency matters.

Analogy

Think of Wilson's New Freedom Program as a personal trainer who comes into a gym (America) and sees some people (businesses) hogging all the equipment (resources). The trainer steps in to ensure everyone gets fair access to the gym equipment and sets up new rules for better management.

Related terms

Federal Reserve Act: Passed during Wilson’s presidency as part of his New Freedom Program, this act created our current central banking system which helps regulate monetary policy.

Clayton Antitrust Act: Another law passed under Wilson’s administration that strengthened federal laws against monopolies and other unfair business practices.

Underwood Tariff: This significantly lowered tariffs for the first time since Civil War and included a provision for an income tax. It was also part of Wilson’s New Freedom program.