Fighting Bob La Follette: The Righteous Reformer

Fighting Bob La Follette: The Righteous Reformer

by Nancy C. Unger

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5643 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	409 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Item Weight	:	6.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.72 x 7.87 inches

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Fighting Bob La Follette was a Progressive Era politician who served as the 20th Governor of Wisconsin and a U.S. Senator. He earned the nickname "Fighting Bob" for his unwavering determination to fight for the rights of the common man, and he became a leading voice in the Progressive Movement.

La Follette was born in Primrose, Wisconsin, in 1855. He was the son of a Norwegian immigrant farmer and a Scottish-Irish mother. La Follette's family was poor, and he had to work hard to help support them. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied law. After graduating from law school, La Follette returned to Primrose and began practicing law.

In 1880, La Follette was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly. He served in the Assembly for eight years, during which time he became a leading advocate for progressive reforms. In 1890, La Follette was elected Governor of Wisconsin. As Governor, La Follette signed into law a number of progressive reforms, including a graduated income tax, a railroad regulation bill, and a workers' compensation law.

In 1906, La Follette was elected to the U.S. Senate. He served in the Senate for 28 years, during which time he continued to be a leading voice for progressive reforms. La Follette was a strong supporter of organized labor, and he fought for legislation to protect workers' rights. He was also a strong advocate for government regulation of big business, and he introduced the first antitrust bill in the Senate.

La Follette was a controversial figure during his lifetime. He was often accused of being a socialist or a communist. However, La Follette was not a socialist or a communist. He was a progressive who believed that the government had a responsibility to protect the rights of the common man. He believed that the government should play a role in regulating big business and protecting workers' rights. He also believed that the government should provide social welfare programs to help the poor and needy.

La Follette was a courageous and principled politician who fought for the rights of the common man. He was a leading voice in the Progressive Movement, and he played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the early 20th century. He is considered to be one of the most important progressive reformers in American history.

Legacy

La Follette's legacy lives on today. His ideas about government regulation of big business and his support for workers' rights continue to be debated today. He is considered to be one of the most important progressive reformers in American history, and his work continues to inspire activists and politicians today.

Additional Resources

• Wisconsin Historical Society: Fighting Bob La Follette
• U.S. Senate: Robert M. La Follette, Sr.
• The La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fighting Bob La Follette: The Righteous Reformer

by Nancy C. Unger

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5643 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	409 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Item Weight	:	6.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.72 x 7.87 inches

FREE