Trump Aims to Reverse 100-Year Economic Shift

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This article argues that America's economic and social decline began in the early 20th century, with the passage of policies like the federal income tax, the creation of the Federal Reserve, and the Clayton Antitrust Act during the Wilson administration. The author claims these reforms represented a shift away from individual initiative and responsibility toward greater federal government involvement in the economy. The article suggests that former President Trump is now trying to reverse this trend and restore a more market-based direction for the American economy.

Why it matters

The article presents the view that the economic and social changes initiated in the early 20th century, including greater government intervention in the economy, have led to a gradual decline in American values and quality of life. It suggests that Trump's policies represent an effort to return to the founding principles of free market capitalism and individual responsibility.

The details

The article argues that the federal income tax, the creation of the Federal Reserve, and the Clayton Antitrust Act passed during the Wilson administration represented a shift away from the ideals of individual initiative and self-reliance toward greater government involvement in the economy. It claims this led to the growth of socialism, the decline of traditional values, and economic problems like the Great Depression. The article suggests Trump is trying to reverse this trend and restore a more market-based economic system.

• The federal income tax amendment was passed during the Wilson administration in the early 20th century.
• The Federal Reserve was created around the same time as the income tax and antitrust legislation.
• The Great Depression occurred less than 20 years after the creation of the Federal Reserve.