Progressivism in the States

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Progressivism in the States
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Which state earned the nickname The laboratory
of democracy?

• The most important state for the development of
  progressive legislation.

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The ultimate cheesehead?
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Robert LaFollette Fighting Bob

• Progressive Republican
• Congressman, 1885-91
• Governor, 1900-06
• Senator, 1906-1925
• Supported by farmers, small businessmen, and
  workers in his attacks on railroads and other
  large corporations
• Arguably the most important and recognized
  leader of the opposition to the growing dominance
  of corporations over the Government.
• Ran for President in 1924 as a Progressive
  earned 17 of the vote

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LaFollettes Contributions

• As Governor
• Progressive income tax
• Appointed many women supported womens suffrage
  (Wisconsin was the first to ratify the 19th
  amendment)
• Direct primary
• USs first-ever workers compensation laws
• Minimum wage law
• Improved civil service code
• Railroad commission to regulate freight charges
  copied by many other states
• "The will of the people shall be the law of the
  land."

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The Wisconsin Idea

• Use academic research and scholarship from
  universities and apply it to solving the problems
  of the people.
• Appoint professors and academics to government
  positions, not career politicians
• This idea was copied all across America

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Direct democracy reforms in early 1900s

• Initiative citizens allowed to vote on specific
  measures placed on the ballot by petition
• Referendum citizens allowed to vote on bills
  referred to them by the legislature
• Direct primary citizens select candidates for
  the two parties, not party bosses
• Recall citizens can remove elected officials
  from office by popular vote
• These reforms started in Oregon and Wisconsin,
  and spread throughout the country

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Main targets of Progressives

• Public enemy 1 Railroads
• Corrupted politicians, charged absurd rates
• Mining and timber companies
• Public utilities gas and electric

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Progressivism in the south

• One big difference FOR WHITE PEOPLE ONLY!
• By preventing African Americans from voting,
  whites could have more influence.
• Poll taxes, literacy tests, property
  requirements, grandfather clauses, total
  segregation of the races

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The other goals of State Progressivism were

• http//www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/article_
  display.cfm?HHID168