By Brett Flehinger - 1912 Election and the Power of Progressivism: A Brief History with Documents: 1st (first) Edition

by Brett Flehinger

Faced with the challenge of adapting America’s political and social order to the rise of corporate capitalism, in 1912 four presidential candidates — Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, and Eugene Debs — shaped Americans’ thoughts about their public futures. Their positions would come to frame national conversation over the role of corporations in American life, determine the relation between the state and society that still controls our thinking about market regulation, and usher in a period of Progressive reform. Connecting the debates of 1912 to some of the most pressing issues of the Progressive Era, this volume presents selected sensational speeches, correspondence between these important figures and their allies and opponents, and 12 lively political cartoons. The documents are supported by an interpretive essay, a chronology, a bibliography, and a series of questions for student consideration, including ideas for a classroom debate.

Genres: History, American History

Paperback

First published November 27, 2002

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives a great insight into the thought processes of the candidates for the US Presidency in the 1912 election. They were: President Taft (Republican), Former President Theodore Roosevelt (Progressive), Woodrow Wilson (Democrat), and Eugene V. Debs (Socialist). It explains, with the aid of primary documents their stance on monopolies, the Sherman Antitrust Act, political reform, direct democracy, the recall of judges, women's suffrage, and to a lesser extent, the lack of options for African Americans.

[Ash · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2.5*