1. Topic: Why was the 1912 Election a Turning Point for Progressivism?

2. 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

3. Two Views

4. 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)

5. The Bull Moose Party

6. 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?

7. 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?