Page "Woodrow Wilson" Paragraph 47

In resolving economic policy issues, he had to manage the conflict between two wings of his party, the agrarian wing led by Bryan and the pro-business wing.

With large Democratic majorities in Congress and a healthy economy, he promptly seized the opportunity to implement his agenda.

Wilson experienced early success by implementing his " New Freedom " pledges of antitrust modification, tariff revision, and reform in banking and currency matters.

He held the first modern presidential press conference, on March 15, 1913, in which reporters were allowed to ask him questions.

In 1913 he also became the first president to deliver the State of the Union address in person since 1801 when Thomas Jefferson discontinued this practice.