Essay about 1912 Election - 1032 Words

The Effects on American Politics From the Election of 1912 During the Progressive Era, Americans faced the challenge of choosing between four strong candidates of the election of 1912. Each candidate held concrete platforms that would have different effects on progressivism. Americans could chose the conservative presidential incumbent William Howard Taft(R), the New Jersey governor Woodrow Wilson (D), the long-time fighter for social reform-Eugene V. Debs (S), or the former president Theodore Roosevelt of the newly formed Bull Moose Party (Progressive Party). Through this election many steps were taken to change the face of the election season, including womens rights, primaries, and third†¦show more content†¦In the August before the election, the most successful third party in the 20th century was formed. After Theodore Roosevelt was denied the Republican nomination, he was elected in the newly formed Progressive Party. Theodore was the man for the job saying, In loyalty, honor and duty there was nothing for me to do but to heed their call and make the race with all my might, regardless of present or future consequences to myself. (Miller 527) With this spirit, this third party had accomplished the unthinkable by becoming in second in the presidential election of 1912. This was the only time in American history that the Republican Party has come in third in both the popular and electoral vote. Sidney M. Milkis stated, Ostensibly, the cause of ProgressivismÂâ€"the platforms commitment to direct democracy and social and industrial justiceÂâ€"gave reform leadership its dignity, indeed its heroic quality.(Claremont Institute) The Progressive Partys accomplishment proved that third parties can have influence on an election and they are not to be taken lightly. This election served as the initial step into the world of politics for women. The Progressive Party was the only main party to support womens rights, and women were extremely active in supporting it. The Kansas newspaper editor William Allen White stated referring to the Progressive Party Convention: We were, of course, for woman suffrage, and we invited women delegates and had plenty of them. They were ourShow MoreRelatedThe 1912 Crucial Election1346 Words   |  6 PagesThe year 1912 brought one of the most important presidential elections in United States history. Four nominees confronted one another during this election: Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson, Progressive leader Theodore â€Å"Teddy† Roosevelt, Republican William Howard Taft, and Socialist Eugene Debs. This election also proved to be crucial as it brought forth new considerable and â€Å"substantive† discussions concerning the Union and its future. These issues included, whether government should expandRead MoreThe Presidential Election Of 1912888 Words   |  4 PagesThe presidential election of 1912 was fought amongst four major candidates. Woodrow Wilson was brought up by his father, a Presbyterian minister, and his mother, daughter of a Presbyterian minister brought up Woodrow Wilson. He was president of Princeton University and governor of New Jersey. He represented the Democratic Party and had a combination of high morality and high-minded detachment. Eugene Debs was a well-known Socialist and union man for the Fireman’s Brotherhood and American RailroadRead MoreThe Election of 1912 Essay1054 Words   |  5 PagesThe Election of 1912 During the Progressive Era, Americans faced the challenge of choosing between four strong candidates of the election of 1912. Each candidate held concrete platforms that would have different effects on progressivism. 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DoingRead MoreSenate Election Reform Essay1101 Words   |  5 Pagesbehaviour; their elections made by electors chosen for that purpose by the people† (Senate Report No. 691). As the United States developed after the civil war and people gained greater access to news and education they began to see the corruption within the senate appointment process. This started a push for electoral reform and the progressive movement. It should not be over looked either that the election of Senators by popular vote would not only leave the nomination and election of the membersRead MoreThe Success Of The Third Party System743 Words   |  3 PagesAmericans believed that a third political party was needed, as only 37% agreed with the effectiveness of a two-party system. This information can be seen as the popularity of third-party candidates has increased over the last three presidential election cycles. 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However, as historian Richard Hofstadter said, â€Å"Third parties are like bees: once they have stung, they die.† HofstadterRead More third parties Essay1483 Words   |  6 Pages Despite being the constant underdog and loser in major elections third parties make some significant contribution to the political spectrum in the United States. Third Party Agendas are taken serious by the Democratic and Republican Parties and specific pieces of the Third Party Agendas are sometimes adopted by the two major parties. Third parties give discontented voters other alternatives. The Republican and Democratic Parties have been known to operate in similar styles and third parties give