Wilsonian Progressivism at Home and Abroad

Wilsonian Progressivism at Home and Abroad

(1912-1916)

I. The “Bull Moose” Campaign of 1912

A. Democratic Confidence

1. They thought that in 1912 they could gain the presidency and the White House. This is because they were out of the White House for sixteen years and the Republicans had split their party during that time, which made the Democrats seem more confident of their own party.

2. By Wilson, the added the platform that they names “New Freedom.” They platform was composed of mainly progressive and liberal ideology.

B. Dr. Woodrow Wilson

1. He was the ‘go-to’ man for the Democrats, being governor of New Jersey.

2. At first he was conservative but then he became a strong progressive over the years.

3. His background was in education as a professor, then as president of Princeton University.

4. A major reason why people liked him was because he stood firmly against bosses and trusts, and took action on them.

C. Progressive Party

1. Teddy Roosevelt was nominated by Jane Addams. He was nominated at the Progressive party convention.

2. After winning the nomination, he said that he felt “as strong as a bull moose.” From his statement, the Progressive party used the Bull Moose as their symbol and nickname.

D. 1912 Election

1. Democrats: Woodrow Wilson

2. Republicans: President William Howard Taft

3. Progressives: Theodore Roosevelt

E. The New Freedom Plan

1. It was proposed by Wilson.

2. The plan supported small business and wanted to get rid of all trusts. It thought that if trusts were ignored, they would just get worse.

3. The plan did not include social welfare programs.

4. This plan was inspired by The Promise of American Life

F. New Nationalism

1. It was proposed by Roosevelt

2. It pushed for women suffrage and social programs

Conservative were not for it due to the socialistic advances

Herbert Corly’s progressive ideas were very much liked under Roosevelt’s New Nationalism.

G.