Topic: Why was the 1912
Election a Turning Point for
Progressivism?
TR “Passes the Torch”
1904: TR wins re-election,
vows no 3rd
1907: “Roosevelt Panic”
– Brief economic downturn
– Start of regulating of banks
TR picks William Taft to be
successor of “my policies”
1908: Taft defeats WJ
Bryan
Taft vows to follow TR
reforms
Two Views
Taft’s Presidency (1909-1913)
Taft’s weaknesses
Taft regulates trusts at first
but…
Dollar Diplomacy
– China
– Intervention in Honduras
(protect US investments)
“Old Guard” Republicans
– Taft wants status quo
– Slow on Progressive reforms
Payne-Aldrich Tariff
– Protectionist again
– Progressives angry
TR angry, swears to take
nomination back in 1912
– Supported by “Insurgent
Republicans” (Pro-reformers)
The Bull Moose Party
Election of 1912
1912 RN Convention
– Taft re-nominated
TR creates the Bull Moose
(Progressive) Party
– “New Nationalism” Platform
– Progressive programs and greater
gov’t regulation
Woodrow Wilson (D)
– New Freedom Platform
– Break up Corporations and restore
competition
– Other Progressive reforms
Eugene Debs (Socialist)
4 way election
Bull Moose takes votes away from
Republicans
Democrats win the election
Wilson in
But…Progressivism is the winner?
Conclusion
Think and write down a brief answer to this
question: “Why was the election of 1912 a
‘victory’ for the Progressive movement”?
Then, turn to a neighbor and exchange
answers. Do you both agree?