9.4: Progressivism (or not) Under Taft

Business Interests Clash With Preservationists Gifford Pinchot: – Head of US Forest Service under TR – Balance conservation with business development— multi-use policy – Post TR: increasing pressure from businesses to have unrestricted development

The Payne-Aldrich Tariff Taft: promised in campaign to lower tariffs Payne-Aldrich Tariff: signed by Taft into law – Still allowed for high tariffs – Angered progressive republicans *Relationship between Tariffs, Monopolies and Prices

Split Within the Republican Party Conservatives & Progressives divided over their support of Taft 1910: Democrats gain control of the House of Representatives in mid-term elections – Public concern over cost of living and conservation – Viewed Taft as falling short in both categories

The Bull Moose Party & Woodrow Wilson 1912: Roosevelt runs for a 3 rd Term in Office – Progressive Republicans form the Bull Moose Party Called for: – 1.direct election of senators – 2.adoption of initiative, referendum and recall in all states – 3.women’s suffrage – 4. workers rights – 5. regulation of big business Woodrow Wilson: – Wins 1912 Presidential election – Benefits from the division of republican voters Wilson captures only 42% of the popular vote Wilson’s Platform: New Freedom – Anti-trust – Reform banks – Reduce tariffs

1912 Presidential Election: The Candidates & Their Platforms Teddy Roosevelt -Bull Moose Party -Progressive -Fractured the Republican Party William Howard Taft (Incumbent) -Conservativism -Republican Party Woodrow Wilson -New Freedom Platform -Opposed Monopolies -Supported Free Market Eugene V. Debs -Socialist Party -Called for an end to Capitalism 1912 Prsesidential Election