Woodrow Wilson promised to reform an industrial program that "restricts the liberties and limits the opportunities of labor."

• List and describe at least two reforms Wilson pushed to fix these issues.

1 answer

1) The Clayton Antitrust Act: This act, passed in 1914, aimed to limit the power and influence of large corporations and monopolies. It prohibited unfair business practices such as price discrimination and interlocking directorates, which allowed big businesses to control multiple companies. The act also legalized peaceful strikes and boycotts by labor unions, ensuring employees' right to organize and bargain collectively. By curbing the power of corporations and protecting the rights of workers, the Clayton Antitrust Act was seen as a significant step towards increasing labor liberties and opportunities.

2) The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Established in 1914, the FTC was created to regulate unfair competition and practices in business. The commission had the authority to investigate and take legal action against corporations engaged in anticompetitive behaviors like false advertising, deceptive pricing, and unfair trade practices. By promoting fair competition, the FTC aimed to level the playing field for smaller businesses and open up more opportunities for workers to enter new industries or start their own ventures. This reform helped to create a more balanced and competitive market environment, fostering greater economic opportunities for labor.