"Fighting" Bob
La Folette and
The Progressive Movement
The Town of Primrose has the distinction of being the
birthplace of Robert Marion La Folette, a politician who would become an
icon to what has been called the "Progressive" political movement.
Robert La Folette was born in 1855 and raised on a farm near Mt. Vernon
in the town of Primrose, where he lived until 1873. Perhaps these early
years on his parents farm shaped his work ethics and individualism which
would serve him throughout his political career.
He was an energetic youth. In his teenage years, a spirited horse race was
run between Robert La Folette and Ike Brader through the town of Mt. Vernon.
Bob pitted his favorite mare against Brader's prize-stepper in a race. Although
La Folette lost the race, the event was a thrilling spectacle for the crowd
that witnessed it.
Even at a young age La Follete was known throughout the area as an influential speaker. On July 5, 1880, Bob La Folette made Mt. Vernon history when he was the orator during the Independence Day celebration. He was preparing to become a candidate for District Attorney, his first political race. The event took place in Way's Grove on top of Mt. Vernon's Mill Hill on the Springdale-Primrose Town Line. The speaker platform was located on the Springdale side of the road. When La Folette heard of the location he insisted that the platform be extended across the road so that he could speak from his native Primrose Township.
His speech was said to have won the hearts of the big crowd that witnessed the event. It was remembered that La Folette walked around the platform a great deal while speaking and often referred to the "revolution". La Folette probably spoke of "the home as the foundation of the state," a reoccurring theme during his early career.
He went on to be elected Dane County District Attorney, and was later elected by the state of Wisconsin to the U. S. House of Representatives from 1885 to 1891. He held the office of Governor of Wisconsin from 1900 to 1904, and was elected to the U. S. Senate from 1905 to 1925.
Though elected as A Republican, La Folette was always a firebrand, and often clashed with the party bosses. Much of his time while in office was spent gathering coalitions and enlisting allies for populist causes. He headed the "Progressive" faction in the Republican Party, and fought hard for direct primaries. He also fought against the powerful railroad trusts, and involvement in the first World War.
His unique style of oratory would earn him the nicknames of "Fighting Bob," and "Battling Bob"; nicknames which would remain with him even after death.
His most famous campaign would prove to be his last. In 1924, Bob La Folette would take his progressive ideals to the people as he ran for President under the Progressive Party. His populist message was embraced by many different groups including the Socialist Party, African Americans, women, labor unions, farmers and those wanting to put the "we" back in we, the people. His promise was, "to break the combined power of the private monopoly system over the political and economic life of the American people."
His Progressive Party platform spoke for the protection of: civil liberties, child labor laws, workers rights to organize, elimination of private sector utilities, availability of credit for farmers and railroad reform. He spoke of the threat of U.S. imperialism and railed against its policies in Latin America. His message struck a chord and his candidacy garnered 5 million votes. Sadly, La Follette would not live to see another term in office as he died in 1925.
His legacy was not to end, as his progressive ideals would serve to propel the party forward and usher in a movement which would see his son Phil become governor and his son Bob Jr. take over his Senate seat. For another 30 years the La Follette would remain an important name in the Progressive Party.
In the Society archives a letter from the Dane County Progressive Committee boasted of achievement of the party, including restoration of school aid, highway aids, implementation of state old age pension. The letter stated, "Because of Progressive policies, farm, labor, industrial, and general business conditions are better in Wisconsin today than in any other state . . . Be sure to Vote your progressive county candidates. Good local government is the very foundation of American Democracy. With your help we will win a smashing victory."
The success of the progressives would end after World War II. After seeing many of its ideals incorporated into the "New Deal", The Progressives disbanded and many became active in the Democratic party. Some of Wisconsin's progressives who went on to political office include: Gaylord Nelson, William Proxmire, James Doyle, father of Governor Jim Doyle, John Reynolds and Thomas Fairchild.
Though the Progressive Party no longer exists, its spirit can still be found in the pages of the Progressive Magazine, which origins were the publication, La Follette's Weekly Magazine started in 1909 by Robert La Folette. An annual "Fighting Bob Fest" is held in September promoting progressive ideals. Locally, the organization SouthWest Wisconsin Area Progressives, or S.W.W.A.P has recently been formed.
Many artifacts from Robert M. La Follette's political career can be seen in the Mt. Horeb Area Museum. The Society has a large collection of political artifacts from the past, and will continue to archive material as it becomes available.
