President Woodrow Wilson's First Inuagural Address outlined his goals for his presidency. In stating his intentions, he addressed the issues facing the country at the time of his inauguration and the efforts of the Progressives. Though he did recognize the successes of industrialization, he appeared more concerned with the human cost of industrialization, conservation of the nation's natural resources, and government corruption. He seemed thank the Progressives for their "efforts to rectify wrong" and promised to finish the work that they had started. According to Wilson, this was to become the destiny of the Democratic Party. He stated that the tariff, which worked hand-in-hand with the interests of bankers and trusts, would have to be removed and that industry would need to be restricted. The modernization of American agriculture would also be a priority. His speech centered around the idea of restoration. Old institutions could not simply be eradicated, but would need to be modified and reformed. In order to accomplish his goals, Wilson also believed that the government could not be partisan and would need to re-focus on the protection of its constituents rather than economic success.
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