Progressivism under Taftand Wilson

SWBAT:Homework:Do Now: Study for Vocab Quiz

Who is William Howard Taft?

Republican. Started out as Roosevelt’s secretary of war and

best friend. Roosevelt hand picks him to run for president. Elected president in 1908 after Roosevelt

promises NOT to run for a 3rd term. Looked to consolidate Roosevelt’s reforms, not

expand them. Not particularly well-liked by progressives.

First, he angers the Progressives Taft campaigned on a platform to lowering tariffs- a progressive goal.

Tariff: tax places on imported/exported goods. Payne-Aldrich Tariff:

House proposes the Payne Bill: lowered rates on imported goods. Senate proposes the Aldrich Bill: increased rated on imported goods. Compormise? Payne-Aldrich Tariff

Lowered some rates, but increased many more. Progressives consider Taft a sellout.

Next he angers Conservationists

Appointment of Richard Balinger as secretary of the interior. Took 1 million acres off the forest

reserve list and opened them up for public use.

Balinger fired an employee who protested his actions and Taft sided with Balinger.

Result? The Republican Party splits.

One side: Progressive Republicans Other side: Those who were not

Teddy Roosevelt returns and wants to fix the split. He decides to run for a third term under the Progressive Party or Bull Moose

Party. Supported suffrage Workers compensation Federal law against child labor

One of the ugliest races in history

Anti-Taft Political Cartoon Anti-Roosevelt Political Cartoon

The Election of 1912 Republican Party: William Howard Taft Progressive Party: Teddy Roosevelt Democrat: Woodrow Wilson

Given what you know about the Progressive Party, what do you predict was the outcome?

The Election Results

Split lead to the election of democrat Woodrow Wilson as president in 1912.

Democrat

Progressive

Republican

Result?

Democrat Woodrow Wilson is elected into office.