It seems like you are discussing the New Freedom platform, which was indeed associated with President Woodrow Wilson during his campaign for the presidency in 1912. However, the platform was not started by Wilson in the early 1900s but rather articulated during the 1912 presidential campaign. Here are some key points about the New Freedom:
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Goals of the New Freedom: The New Freedom aimed to address the problems caused by the rapid industrialization and economic concentration of the era. Wilson sought to promote the idea of a more equitable economic system.
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Regulatory Reforms: The platform emphasized the importance of regulating big businesses to prevent monopolies and promote competition. This included measures to limit corporate power and ensure fair competition in the marketplace.
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Federal Government's Role: While advocating for a smaller federal government, Wilson's New Freedom also called for significant reforms aimed at increasing the government's ability to regulate the economy and protect the interests of consumers and workers.
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Legislative Achievements: Under Wilson's presidency, several key pieces of legislation were passed, including the Federal Reserve Act (1913), which established the Federal Reserve System; the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914), which strengthened antitrust laws; and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act (1914), which created the FTC to help enforce antitrust laws and protect consumers.
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Contrast with New Nationalism: The New Freedom was seen as a response to Theodore Roosevelt's "New Nationalism," which favored more proactive government intervention in the economy. Wilson's approach was more focused on promoting competition rather than direct government involvement in the economy.
Overall, the New Freedom represented an important moment in the progressive movement, advocating for reforms aimed at curbing corporate power while promoting fairness and competition in the economy.
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