The New Freedom

Woodrow Wilson was the 28th president of the United States. The New Freedom, a collection of speeches he made during his successful 1912 presidential campaign, takes its name from that campaign platform. In it Wilson describes the conditions necessary for freedom in a rapidly changing society, and highlights the dangers from monopolies and politicians that are either bought, or too cozy with business interests. To combat these regressive influences Wilson stresses the need for open and participatory democracy, as well as positive government intervention to promote individual, rather than business, freedom.

Throughout these speeches Wilson shows an unwavering belief in democracy and the wisdom of the people. He admits that he doesn’t have all the answers, and begrudges those who make that claim for themselves.

According to Wilson, politicians of all parties have been slow to recognize a change in power dynamics. Whereas once workers were familiar with their bosses, now workers toil for faceless corporations that have almost unlimited power over them and bear no practical social responsibilities. Wilson stresses that power over others isn’t a sign of wisdom or virtue, and that the government should be emboldened to break up such powers to allow for a fair playing field. He remarks that ignoring these new economic power relations risks disillusioning voters, leaving the door open for unscrupulous politicians to promise easy answers that lead to ruin.