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Robert LaFollette

Robert M. LaFollette

Robert Marion LaFollette, (1855-1925), American political leader. A founder of the Progressive Movement, he was a spearhead for political reform in Wisconsin and the nation for 25 years. Unwilling to compromise on principle, “Fighting Bob” LaFollette earned the deep admiration of his supporters and the hatred of many foes. LaFollette was born in Primrose, Wis., on June 14, 1855. A farmer’s son, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1879 and practiced law in Madison. In 1880 he defied a local political leader to win the office of district attorney. He then served (1885-1891) as a Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Governorship

Defeated in 1890, LaFollette resumed his practice. In 1891 he became convinced that Sen. Philetus Sawyer, a wealthy lumberman, had tried to bribe him in connection with a legal case, and LaFollette’s outrage triggered 50 years of bitter political rivalry. From then on the real division in Wisconsin was almost always between pro- and anti-LaFollette factions rather than between Republicans and Democrats. He remained a Republican, and was opposed by conservatives in both parties. LaFollette’s subsequent rise coincided with unrest among farmers angry at Eastern capitalists who controlled money and credit and who dictated railroad freight rates. Supporting LaFollette, they were joined by small businessmen, professionals, and intellectuals disturbed by how wealthy businessmen controlled access to political power.

This progressive spirit flourished elsewhere, but nowhere better organized than under LaFollette in Wisconsin. A brilliant orator, he campaigned across the state for years. After twice losing the nomination for governor under the convention system, he was elected in 1900. Reelected in 1902 and 1904, he achieved many of his goals. Wisconsin was the first state to adopt the primary for nominations for state offices. A new law taxed railroads on the value of their property, ending an inequity. Taxes on corporations permitted the state to pay its debts. A railroad commission was created to regulate rates. Funding for education was increased. A civil-service law was adopted. This legislation was drafted by political and social scientists and economists, a feature of the “Wisconsin Idea.”

The Senate

Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1905, LaFollette took his seat in 1906. In Washington, he fought the same forces of privilege he had defeated in Wisconsin. A few progressive Republicans joined him, and they often held the balance of power in a Senate closely divided between the two parties. LaFollette opposed the protective Payne-Aldrich tariff and worked to regulate the railroads and other industries. He sought the GOP presidential nomination in 1908 and 1912. He founded LaFollette’s Weekly Magazine (1909) and the National Progressive Republican League (1911). In one of his finest achievements, he secured approval of a bill protecting the rights of seamen.

Representing a state with a large German population and reflecting Midwestern isolationism, LaFollette opposed President Wilson’s support for the Allies after war broke out in Europe in 1914. When LaFollette opposed the arming of U.S. merchant ships, Wilson denounced the “little group of wilful men” who he said had made the government “helpless and contemptible.”

In April 1917, LaFollette voted against declaring war. When he continued to criticize the war, an attempt was made to expel him from the Senate for disloyalty. (In 1957 the Senate voted LaFollette one of the five most outstanding senators of all time.) He also opposed the Treaty of Versailles.


Frequently Asked Questions about Robert M. LaFollette

Robert M. La Follette, often referred to as “Fighting Bob,” was a prominent American politician who played a significant role in the Progressive Era during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1855 in Wisconsin, La Follette had a notable political career, serving as a U.S. Representative, Governor of Wisconsin, and U.S. Senator. He was a key figure in the Progressive Movement, advocating for a wide range of social and political reforms.

La Follette’s contributions to American politics were substantial. As Governor of Wisconsin, he implemented a series of progressive reforms that became known as the “Wisconsin Idea.” These reforms included the regulation of corporations, labor protections, and direct primaries. He championed the principle of government transparency and accountability, aiming to reduce the influence of political machines and special interests.

In the U.S. Senate, La Follette continued his progressive agenda by advocating for trust-busting measures, labor rights, and consumer protection. His efforts earned him a reputation as a staunch reformer and defender of the interests of the common people. La Follette’s legacy remains influential in the history of American progressivism, and his contributions left a lasting impact on the nation’s political landscape.

The “Wisconsin Idea” was a set of progressive reforms and principles championed by Robert M. La Follette during his tenure as Governor of Wisconsin from 1901 to 1906. It had a profound impact on the state of Wisconsin and served as a model for progressive governance nationwide.

At its core, the Wisconsin Idea emphasized the role of government in improving the lives of its citizens through social and political reforms. Some key elements of the Wisconsin Idea included:

  • Government regulation of corporations and monopolies to prevent abuses of power.
  • Labor protections and workers’ rights, including the establishment of workers’ compensation.
  • Direct primaries, which allowed citizens to directly participate in the selection of political candidates.
  • Conservation of natural resources and environmental protection.
  • Educational reforms, including the expansion of public education and the promotion of research at state universities.

The significance of the Wisconsin Idea lies in its practical implementation of progressive policies that aimed to address the social and economic challenges of the time. It set a precedent for other states and the federal government to adopt similar reforms. La Follette’s vision of accountable and responsive government had a lasting impact, shaping the direction of progressive politics in the United States.

Robert M. La Follette’s progressive policies had a transformative effect on the state of Wisconsin. During his tenure as Governor from 1901 to 1906, and later as a U.S. Senator, he implemented a wide range of reforms that significantly improved the lives of Wisconsin residents and set the state on a path of progressive governance.

One of the most notable impacts of La Follette’s policies was the regulation of corporations and monopolies. His efforts to break the power of large corporations and ensure fair competition led to increased economic opportunities for small businesses and reduced the influence of corporate interests in politics.

Labor protections were another hallmark of La Follette’s tenure. He championed workers’ rights and was instrumental in enacting legislation to improve working conditions, establish workers’ compensation, and protect the rights of labor unions.

The Wisconsin Idea, with its emphasis on direct primaries and government transparency, led to a more engaged and informed citizenry. It empowered Wisconsin residents to participate directly in the democratic process and hold their government accountable.

Additionally, La Follette’s commitment to conservation and environmental protection laid the groundwork for Wisconsin’s natural resource policies and contributed to the preservation of the state’s natural beauty.

Overall, Robert M. La Follette’s progressive policies left an enduring legacy in Wisconsin, shaping the state’s political landscape and providing a model for progressive governance that extended beyond its borders.

Robert M. La Follette was a staunch advocate of trust-busting, which was a central element of his progressive agenda. He believed that the power of large corporations and monopolies posed a significant threat to fair competition, economic justice, and the welfare of the American people.

La Follette’s stance on trust-busting aligned with the broader goals of the Progressive Movement, which sought to curb the unchecked power of big business and promote economic fairness. He was a vocal critic of monopolistic practices and believed that government intervention was necessary to protect consumers and small businesses from the abuses of monopolies.

In his role as a U.S. Senator, La Follette introduced and supported legislation aimed at breaking up monopolies and promoting competition. His efforts contributed to the passage of antitrust laws and the enforcement of regulations that aimed to prevent anti-competitive behavior.

La Follette’s commitment to trust-busting had a significant impact on the Progressive Movement as a whole. It added momentum to the movement’s efforts to address economic inequalities and led to a broader national conversation about the role of government in regulating business practices. Trust-busting became a central theme in progressive politics, and the movement’s success in this area laid the groundwork for future antitrust measures and the ongoing debate over corporate power in America.

La Follette’s stance on trust-busting solidified his reputation as a progressive reformer and contributed to the movement’s legacy of advocating for economic justice and government regulation of business interests.

Robert M. La Follette was a staunch advocate for government transparency and accountability throughout his political career. As a key figure in the Progressive Movement, he believed that government should be open and responsive to the needs and concerns of the people. La Follette’s efforts in this regard included several important initiatives:

  • Public Access to Government Information: La Follette championed laws that required government agencies to make their activities and decisions accessible to the public. This included publishing government proceedings and records, ensuring that citizens had the information they needed to hold their elected officials accountable.

  • Civil Service Reform: La Follette supported civil service reform, which aimed to eliminate political patronage and ensure that government jobs were awarded based on merit rather than political connections. This reform increased the professionalism and efficiency of government agencies.

  • Campaign Finance Transparency: He advocated for transparency in campaign finance, calling for disclosure of political campaign contributions and expenditures. La Follette believed that transparency in campaign financing was essential to preventing undue influence from special interests.

  • Direct Primaries: La Follette was a proponent of direct primaries, a system that allowed citizens to directly participate in the selection of political candidates. This was seen as a way to reduce the influence of political party bosses and promote a more accountable political process.

La Follette’s commitment to government transparency and accountability helped create a political environment where the actions of government officials were subject to public scrutiny. His efforts laid the foundation for modern transparency and accountability measures in government.

Robert M. La Follette was a strong advocate for labor rights and played a significant role in advancing workers’ protections during the Progressive Era. His support for labor reform was a central aspect of his progressive agenda:

  • Support for Labor Unions: La Follette was a vocal supporter of labor unions and recognized their importance in protecting workers’ rights. He believed that workers should have the right to organize, bargain collectively, and improve their working conditions.

  • Workers’ Compensation: As Governor of Wisconsin, La Follette signed into law one of the nation’s first workers’ compensation programs. This legislation provided financial support to workers who were injured on the job, ensuring that they and their families were not left in dire straits due to workplace accidents.

  • Protection of Child Laborers: La Follette advocated for stricter regulations on child labor, seeking to protect children from dangerous and exploitative working conditions. He supported laws that limited the hours and types of labor that children could perform.

  • Improved Workplace Conditions: Throughout his political career, La Follette pushed for improved workplace safety regulations, including measures to prevent accidents and injuries. His efforts aimed to create safer working environments for American workers.

La Follette’s advocacy for labor rights and workers’ protections contributed to the broader labor reform movement during the Progressive Era. His commitment to improving the lives of working-class Americans left a lasting impact on the nation’s labor laws and the protection of workers’ rights.

Robert M. La Follette’s presidential campaign as a Progressive Party candidate in 1924 had a significant influence on American politics, even though he did not win the presidency. His campaign, often referred to as the “Progressive Party Revolt,” had several notable effects:

  • Progressive Ideals in National Politics: La Follette’s campaign brought the ideals of the Progressive Movement back into the national spotlight. His platform included calls for government regulation of corporations, labor protections, and social justice reforms. While he did not win the presidency, his campaign raised awareness about these issues and kept them in the public discourse.

  • Impact on Third Parties: The Progressive Party campaign in 1924 demonstrated that third-party movements could have a meaningful impact on national elections and influence the major parties’ platforms. La Follette’s candidacy helped pave the way for future third-party movements and candidates.

  • Influence on Future Policies: Although La Follette did not win the presidency, some of his progressive ideas and policy proposals found their way into future legislation. For example, his support for labor rights and regulation of big business contributed to the development of New Deal policies under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

  • Inspiration for Reformers: La Follette’s campaign inspired future generations of reformers and progressives who continued to advocate for social and political change. His commitment to social justice and government accountability remained a source of inspiration for those who sought to address pressing issues in American society.

In summary, Robert M. La Follette’s 1924 presidential campaign may not have resulted in victory, but it left a lasting legacy in American politics by keeping progressive ideals alive, influencing future policies, and inspiring political reform movements.