The Federal Reserve System of the U.S.
Origin
The central banking system of the U.S., the Federal Reserve, was established on December 23, 1913 by the Federal Reserve Act of 1913. Prior to that date, the only official representative of the U.S. Treasury were the First Bank (1791-1811) and Second Bank (1816-1836). They were the sole source to issue and back official U.S. money. All other banks were either state or private organized with their own banknotes. As longs as money was deposited and withdrawn from the same financial institution there was no financial loss. But if depositors withdraw their money from a different bank, they never knew exactly what they would receive.
As the U.S. grew in both people and economic and people were able to move more freely, a need for a more standardized banking system become necessary. In 1863, The National Bank Act was passed by Congress. Its purpose was to provide a supervised system of National Banks. These banks were to standardize banking operations, establish minimum capital to be held by banks and how loans were to be administered. They also mandated a 10% tax on banknotes owned by other banks. This eventually eliminated all other banknotes.
After a severe financial panic in 1907 concerning Wall Street, many Americans felt that their banking structure was out of date and needed reform. In 1912, hearings were held to examine the U.S. banking system. The committee concluded that the U.S banking and financial system had become a monopoly under the control of a few financial leaders. The reform came in the way of The Federal Reserve Act, signed into law on December 23, 1913. “The purpose of the Federal Reserve was to conduct Americas monetary policy, supervise and regulate banks and protect consumer credit rights, maintain the stability of America’s financial system and to provide financial services to the