The book The Promise of American Life, written in 1909 by Herbert Croly, influenced Theodore Roosevelt. New Nationalism was in direct contrast with Woodrow Wilson 's policy of The New Freedom, which promoted antitrust modification, tariff reduction, and banking and currency reform.n the social sphere the platform called for. 1  A National Health Service to include all existing government medical agencies. 2  Social insurance, to provide for the elderly, the unemployed, and the disabled. 3  Limited injunctions in strikes. 4  A minimum wage law for women. 5  An eight hour workday. 6  A federal securities commission. 7  Farm relief. 8  Workers' ... 9  A