La Follette Progressive Movement

During the late 19th and early 20th century, a wave of progressivism swept over the ever-growing nation of America. In the absence of a morally just federal government, many state legislators began to act as political reformers. One imperative figure of this statehouse progressive movement was Wisconsin Governor, Senator and House Representative Robert M. La Follette. Nicknamed “ Fighting Bob” because of his frequent head-butting with opposing party leaders, La Follette was also named one of the “famous five” a group of the five most illustrious senators in history chosen by a Senate committee led by John F. Kennedy. La Follette tirelessly fought for numerous state level political reforms such as direct primaries, initiatives , and referendums. …show more content…
These progressive reforms were instrumental in altering the corrupted “boss-controlled” legislature by transferring more power to the people. (Brinkley, 497) As a result of La Follette’s leadership and constant campaigning, all three reforms were approved in the state of Wisconsin. Although La Follette started his political career as part of the Republican party, in 1924 he separated himself from most politicians by leaving the main stream party to join a new progressive party. Despite having the support of a major political party, La Follette continued to accomplish many progressive milestones. La Follette, with the support of a group of other progressive leaders, helped established laws to regulate the workplace such as workers compensation for people injured while performing their job. Together they also worked to regulate railroads and public utilities. They also established a system of higher taxation on inherited fortunes. (Brinkley 498) At the time, this type of legislature was very against the normal “richer get richer, poor stay poor” type of society ruled by monopolies and the social elite. He even demonstrated his distain for corrupt politicians by initiating the in-depth investigation of the Teapot Dome