LAD#28-Wilson's First Inaugural Address

Wilson's First Inaugural Address

To start his inaugural address, Woodrow Wilson discusses that he is the first Democratic president in 15 years so the country will experience a change. This new Party that is now ruling the country will bring about change. People will have to let go off their usual habits and start to accept new ways. He continues by complimenting the United States Government and discussing the legacy that has been set since the 18th century. I like his phrase, "But the evil has come with the good, and much fine gold has been corroded." This phrase discusses the Gilded Age and how the gold has been corroded and it isn't so shiny anymore due to the corruption that has occurred. Another great phrase that he says is, "With the great Government went many deep secret things which we too long delayed to look into and scrutinize with candid, fearless eyes. The great Government we loved has too often been made use of for private and selfish purposes, and those who used it had forgotten the people." This is a valid summary of the time of corruption and laissez-faire capitalism that the United States experienced. By saying this, Wilson is acknowledging that the corruption existed but he will not let that happen. Wilson continues to astutely describe the way of life, government, and economy in America during this time. He talks about Industrialism and Big Business and then continues by talking about the currency system.