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The New Nationalism Vs. The New Freedom
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The New Nationalism vs. the New Freedom
Roosevelt had made arguments regarding human welfare and property rights in the overall context of New Nationalism. According to him, the major issue was the protection of human rights as it is more important than property matters. In his speech, he emphasized the power of federation. A strong federal government can stabilize the economy and ensure justice in society. Furthermore, he stressed that the implementation of effective economic policies is possible only if the President gives first preference to human welfare.
Roosevelt was of the view that focus on developing industry is the key to a stable economy. He added that it is the responsibility of the federal government to protect labor, children, women, and men from exploitation. Roosevelt wanted reforms at a broader level in the society. His focus was the issues of common man. Developing social insurance to facilitate old, disabled, and unemployed was the part of his socioeconomic policy alongside a minimum wage regulation for females, and 8-hours working time during the day. He was strictly against the dominance of politics by large corporate groups. He believed that large business interests should not be able to influence the government to protect their interests. All policies should be made in the larger interest of the country. However, he made it clear that he was not talking about over-centralization.
Woodrow launched his campaign of New Freedom for the presidential election of 1912. He presented the idea of limited government, i.e., the powers and authorities restricted by law. For this purpose, he wanted to do legislation in the country. He was in favor of business, tariff reforms. Woodrow presented the idea of economic freedom from elements such as strong monopolies or big corporate enterprises. In a way, he did not want the business interests to control the government; instead, he wanted the government to keep an eye on big businesses.
Both Roosevelt and Woodrow had same thoughts that trusts abuse power. However, they differed on the mechanism to limit the power of big corporations in a large society. Also, both wanted to bring reforms in the society so that common man can benefit. Furthermore, Roosevelt wanted the government to get maximum power to build strong federation that could work for the welfare of people. On the other hand, Woodrow did not support the idea for the government to have more powers as he gave the concept of restricted power according to the law. Overall, both had the same goals as they were the advocates for poor people, small factory workers, and farmers.
The New Nationalism of Theodore Roosevelt was an approach to build an effective social, political, and economic environment for the people of the United States. In addition, he was against the corrupt mafia that was sitting in the large corporate organizations and businesses as they were the hurdle in the progress of the society. His priority was to bring structural reforms in the society in favor of a common man. So much needed to be done for poor people, and he believed the living standard of poor people could be lifted with the effective policies of the Federal government. For this purpose, Roosevelt wanted the government to get more control and authority to reform the lives of common people. Moreover, the concept of New Freedom presented by Woodrow Wilson was substantial as he was also aware of the root cause of the society. According to his ideology, he wanted to see the people free with no pressure of policies as he was of the view that some policies in the country were not in favor of common man and that is why people get frustrated and think they are slaves of the policies. In this respect, the Clayton Act of 1914 was aimed at helping common laborers in the nation. The Act gave exemption to labor union from antitrust suits. Overall his approach was progressive, and both Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt wanted to develop prosperous societies for the welfare of laborers and poor people in the country (Ekirch, Arthur Alphonse).
Finally, the concept of New Nationalism by Theodore Roosevelt and New Freedom by Woodrow Wilson are relevant in today's scenario. The government of the United States should focus more on the economic condition of poor people. More than 43.1 million people in the country are living in poverty. Therefore, the government should make policies that could benefit laborers and farmers. The big corporations are already earning huge profits; their lobbies are very strong in the country. The President of the United States Trump has been a business Tycoon. The government should bring reforms in the health and social sector. Not everyone in the country has health insurance, and that is why they struggle to get proper treatment when they fall sick. Keeping in mind the health needs of the population, the elderly, disabled and unemployed people should be given priority. Also, young people should be given more employment opportunities. The ideologies of Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson were great, and the government should bring the same types of reforms in the country for the welfare of people.
Works Cited
Ekirch, Arthur Alphonse. Progressivism in America: A study of the era from Theodore Roosevelt to Woodrow Wilson. New viewpoints, 1974.
Theodore Roosevelt’s NEW NATIONALISM vs. Woodrow Wilson’s NEW FREEDOM
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