# Robert M. La Follette

> American progressive politician from Wisconsin (1855–1925)

**Wikidata**: [Q878682](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q878682)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_M._La_Follette)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-m-la-follette

## Summary
Robert M. La Follette was a prominent American progressive politician from Wisconsin, serving as a U.S. Senator and Governor. He is best known for his leadership in the Progressive Movement, advocating for reforms such as direct primaries, conservation, and labor rights. La Follette's career spanned multiple roles, including Congressman, Senator, and founder of *The Progressive* magazine.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 13, 1855
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**: University of Wisconsin Law School
- **Known for**: Leadership in the Progressive Movement, advocacy for political reforms
- **Employer(s)**: U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, Governor of Wisconsin
- **Field(s)**: Politics, law, journalism

## Contributions
- **Political Reforms**: Championed direct primaries, initiative and referendum processes, and stricter regulation of business.
- **Conservation Efforts**: Supported the creation of the U.S. Forest Service and national parks.
- **Labor Rights**: Advocated for workers' compensation, minimum wage laws, and safe working conditions.
- **Publishing**: Founded *The Progressive* magazine in 1909 to promote reformist ideas.
- **Presidential Campaign**: Ran for President in 1924 as the Progressive Party candidate, securing 16.6% of the popular vote.

## FAQs
**What were Robert M. La Follette's key political achievements?**  
La Follette spearheaded reforms like direct primaries and workers' compensation, reshaping U.S. political and labor landscapes. He also founded *The Progressive* magazine to advocate for these causes.

**What roles did La Follette hold in government?**  
He served as a U.S. Congressman (1885–1891), Governor of Wisconsin (1901–1906), and U.S. Senator (1906–1925).

**Why did La Follette run for President in 1924?**  
He sought to challenge corporate influence and promote progressive policies, securing nearly 17% of the vote as an independent candidate.

**How did La Follette influence environmental policy?**  
He supported conservation initiatives, including the establishment of national forests and parks, and backed the creation of the U.S. Forest Service.

## Why They Matter
Robert M. La Follette's relentless advocacy for political transparency, labor rights, and conservation fundamentally reshaped American governance. His efforts to reduce corruption and empower citizens through direct democracy mechanisms set precedents for modern progressive policies. Without his leadership, key reforms like workers' compensation and primary elections might have been delayed, altering the trajectory of U.S. social and political development.

## Notable For
- **"Fighting Bob"**: Nicknamed for his tenacious advocacy against political corruption.
- **Progressive Party Leadership**: Presidential candidate in 1924, securing significant electoral support.
- **Founding of *The Progressive***: Established a enduring platform for reformist journalism.
- **Wisconsin Idea**: Promoted the integration of university expertise into state governance.
- **Conservation Legacy**: Supported early 20th-century environmental protection efforts.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Robert Marion La Follette was born on June 13, 1855, in Primrose, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1878, laying the groundwork for his career in law and politics.

### Political Career
- **U.S. Congressman (1885–1891)**: La Follette's early congressional tenure focused on opposing monopolistic practices and advocating for farmers' rights.
- **Governor of Wisconsin (1901–1906)**: As governor, he implemented the "Wisconsin Idea," leveraging university research to inform state policies. He also established direct primaries, enabling voters to select candidates directly.
- **U.S. Senator (1906–1925)**: In the Senate, La Follette continued his crusade against corporate power, supported conservation efforts, and championed labor reforms.

### Progressive Leadership
- **Founding of *The Progressive***: Launched in 1909, the magazine became a national voice for reform, addressing issues like income inequality and political corruption.
- **1924 Presidential Campaign**: Running as an independent, La Follette won 16.6% of the popular vote, reflecting widespread discontent with mainstream parties and highlighting the appeal of progressive ideals.

### Legacy
La Follette's legacy endures through the reforms he championed, including direct primaries, workers' compensation laws, and conservation policies. His commitment to transparency and citizen empowerment continues to influence American political discourse, ensuring his status as a pivotal figure in the Progressive Era.

## References

1. Carnegie Hall linked open data
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [Source](http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/326297/Robert-M-La-Follette)
4. BnF authorities
5. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
6. Find a Grave
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Catalog of the German National Library
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. SNAC
13. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Vegetarian America: a history. Greenwood Publishing Group. 2004
16. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)