BackHomeNext
Progressives in the White House

43f. The Election of 1912

Theodore Roosevelt
Library of Congress
On the evening of June 22, 1912, former President Theodore Roosevelt asked his supporters to leave the Republican National Convention in Chicago saying that Taft had tampered with the system. Republican progressives reconvened in Chicago's Orchestra Hall, formed the national progressive party and later that summer, nominated Roosevelt. Questioned by reporters, Roosevelt said he felt as strong as a "bull moose," giving the party the nickname the "Bull Moose Party."

Politics can sometimes turn the best of friends into the worst of enemies. Such was the fate for the relationship between Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft.

Roosevelt's decision to challenge Taft for the Republican nomination in 1912 was most difficult. Historians disagree on his motives. Defenders of Roosevelt insist that Taft betrayed the progressive platform. When Roosevelt returned to the United States, he was pressured by thousands of progressives to lead them once more. Roosevelt believed that he could do a better job uniting the party than Taft. He felt a duty to the American people to run.

Critics of Roosevelt are not quite so kind. Roosevelt had a huge ego, and his lust for power could not keep him on the sidelines. He stabbed his friend in the back and overlooked the positive sides of Taft's Presidency. Whatever the motive, the election of 1912 would begin with two prominent Republican candidates.

The two former friends hurled insults at each other as the summer of 1912 drew near. Taft had the party leadership behind him, but Roosevelt had the people. Roosevelt spoke of a New Nationalism — a broad plan of social reform for America.

Election of 1912
Geospatial and Statistical Data Center, University of VA
1912 Presidential Election Map — Wilson (the majority, shown dark green) trounces Taft (light green) and Teddy Roosevelt (brown).

Rather than destroying every trust, Roosevelt supported the creation of a Federal Trade Commission to keep a watchful eye on unfair business practices. He proposed a minimum wage, a workers' compensation act, and a child labor law. He proposed a government pension for retirees and funds to assist Americans with health care costs. He supported the women's suffrage amendment. The time of laissez faire was over. The government must intervene to help its people.

Taft and his supporters disagreed, and the battle was left for the delegates to decide.


On the Web
1912 Electoral Vote Tally, February 12, 1913
Theodore Roosevelt's decision to run as a candidate for the Progressive (aka "Bull Moose") Party probably took votes away from William Howard Taft. When the vote tallying was done, Woodrow Wilson won, with 42% of the popular vote.
Bull Moose Born
This page from the Library of Congress discussed the rift in the Republican Party which led to the creation of the Progressive "Bull Moose" Party. Several outstanding images from the Library's collections and dozens of links to more info.
Presidential Politics
This article from the PBS American Experience website surveys Theodore Roosevelt's eventful campaign as the Presidential candidate of the Progressive Party. Lots of images, and a link to the Progressive Party Platform of 1912.
I feel fit as a bull moose — Theodore Roosevelt, Progressive Party Convention, 1912
Learn More...

If you like our content, please share it on social media!

Facebook reddit
BackHomeNext


Facebook