LAD #28: Wilson's First Inaugural Speech

Summary: Teddy Roosevelt, the "Hero of San Juan Hill"(also known as "the Man on Horseback", the "Dynamo of Power" and the "Driving Force"), had given up his office to William Taft in 1908, after his promise to relinquish power after his first elected term. Taft won the election in 1908, though his policies conflicted with Roosevelt's original vision. Out of anger, and to prevent Taft from winning again, the Bull Moose formed the Progressive Party and split the Republicans. The tactic worked, but Roosevelt had created an even greater monster, Woodrow Wilson (At least in his eyes).

In his inaugural address, Wilson proclaims that the political tide in the U.S. is shifting towards the Democrats. He states the goods and evils of the institutions of this nations, referring to our people's brilliance and the strength of the government, while juxtaposing this to the awful tide of industrialization and those left bloodied in its wake. The economic expansion had taken a tremendous toll on the people, and it was the government's job to remedy the situation. Wilson declares that change must come, be it in the tariffs, agriculture, industry or banking. These institutions must be reformed to preserve the rights of the modern citizen. Laws must be passed to further their rights, including laws to aid in sanitation and protection against horrendous foods or terrible employers. He is resolute as he finishes, declaring that, "Today is not a day of triumph; it is a day of dedication".