Election of 1912
The Election of 1912 was an important moment for the Progressive Movement in the United States. Progressive candidate (and ex-president) Teddy Roosevelt won 27% of the vote. This is the best showing for a third political party in U.S. history. Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson won the election.
The results of the 1912 election can be seen in the picture to the left. The numbers in each state indicate the number of electoral college votes that went to each candidate.
For this activity, we are going to look at the party platforms for the four major political parties that took part in the election. We are going to compare their platforms on the topics of labor, women's suffrage, conservation, tariffs, regulation of trusts, direct democracy (including election of senators), immigration, food and health safety, and race relations. Start the activity by reading the Discussion of the 1912 Election and Candidate Biographies links below. Then click on each candidate's photo to find out the platform for their party. Write your answers on the handout for this activity. Please note that the platforms may not address all of the issues. Use information from your textbook and these sources to help you fill in the information: U.S. History.org Miller Center |
Discussion of the 1912 Election |
William H. TaftRepublican Party (incumbent)
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Woodrow WilsonDemocratic Party
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Theodore RooseveltProgressive Party (Bull Moose Party)
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Eugene DebsSocialist Party
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VoteNow that you have read the different party platforms, vote for one of the candidates.
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