Robert M La Follette Research Paper

Representative and Senator, Robert M. La Follette Sr., a Republican representing Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional district and later the leader of Progressive party, was an excellent Congressman because he was an effective speaker, helped pass various reform laws and fought political corruption. La Folletes’s election to the Senate was a significant one, mainly because he was not influenced by ulterior economic motives. Within the first three years, La Follete helped pass laws in opposition to the freight rates, and financing practices of railroads. In this way, he represented his constituents, the Wisconsin farmers, who were often affected by the railroad actions and rates. La Follette also fervently advocated for various other progressive reforms, particularity social security, women’s suffrage …show more content…
In his 1917 emotion-charged oration, “Free Speech in Wartime,” La Follette attacked corporations, proposed the increase taxation on the wealthy and denounced the participation in World War 1. He persuasively asserted that, “the right of the people to discuss the war in all its phases and the right and duty of the people’s representatives in Congress to declare the purposes and objects of the war.” Although he was condemned of being a traitor for his view by the press and pro-war senators, La Follette received much ovation from avid supporters. During his speech, the public had filled the viewing galleries, and after La Follatte concluded, there was an overwhelming outburst of applause, demonstrating his remarkable talent in communication. An excellent Congressman and a moral example, La Follette helped pass significant reform laws aiding the economic interests and the welfare of the underrepresented and advocated reforms towards equal