Progressive Party of Wisconsin

Progressive Party of Wisconsin was a political party in the United States that emerged in the 1930s, primarily in Wisconsin. The party was founded by Robert M. La Follette and his sons, Robert M. La Follette Jr. and Philip La Follette, who were influenced by the Progressive Movement and the Wisconsin Idea. The party's ideology was shaped by the New Deal policies of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Socialist Party of America, led by Norman Thomas. The party's formation was also influenced by the Farmers' Union and the American Federation of Labor, led by Samuel Gompers.

● History

The Progressive Party of Wisconsin was formed in 1934, after Robert M. La Follette and his sons broke away from the Republican Party. The party's early years were marked by a strong focus on agrarianism and populism, with an emphasis on supporting farmers and labor unions, such as the United Mine Workers of America, led by John L. Lewis. The party also drew support from socialists, such as Eugene V. Debs and Daniel De Leon, and liberals, such as Theodore Roosevelt and Herbert Croly. During World War II, the party opposed isolationism and supported interventionism, aligning itself with the Democratic Party and Harry S. Truman. The party's stance on foreign policy was influenced by the Atlantic Charter and the Yalta Conference.

● Platform

The Progressive Party of Wisconsin's platform was centered around progressive policies, including public ownership of public utilities, workers' rights, and agricultural reform. The party also supported social welfare programs, such as unemployment insurance and old-age pensions, which were influenced by the Social Security Act and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. The party's platform was shaped by the Wisconsin Idea, which emphasized the importance of expertise and technocracy in governance. The party also drew inspiration from the New Deal policies of Franklin D. Roosevelt, including the National Industrial Recovery Act and the Agricultural Adjustment Administration. The party's stance on civil rights was influenced by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Congress of Racial Equality.

● Notable Members

The Progressive Party of Wisconsin had several notable members, including Robert M. La Follette Jr., who served as a United States Senator from Wisconsin, and Philip La Follette, who served as the Governor of Wisconsin. Other notable members included Thomas R. Amlie, who served in the United States House of Representatives, and Gardner R. Withrow, who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly. The party also drew support from notable figures, such as John Dewey, Thorstein Veblen, and Charles A. Beard, who were influenced by the Pragmatism and Institutionalism movements. The party's members were also influenced by the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Labor Relations Act.

● Electoral Performance

The Progressive Party of Wisconsin had significant electoral success in the 1930s and 1940s, with Robert M. La Follette Jr. and Philip La Follette winning several elections. The party's best performance was in the 1934 United States elections, when it won several seats in the United States House of Representatives and the Wisconsin State Legislature. The party's electoral success was influenced by the Great Depression and the New Deal policies of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The party's performance was also shaped by the Republican Party and the Democratic Party, as well as the American Labor Party and the Farmer–Labor Party.

● Legacy

The Progressive Party of Wisconsin's legacy can be seen in the progressive policies that were implemented in Wisconsin during the 1930s and 1940s. The party's emphasis on public ownership and social welfare programs helped to shape the New Deal policies of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The party's influence can also be seen in the Democratic Party and the Labor Party, which have continued to advocate for progressive policies. The party's legacy is also reflected in the work of notable figures, such as Hubert Humphrey and Walter Reuther, who were influenced by the Progressive Party of Wisconsin and the United Auto Workers. The party's impact on American politics is still felt today, with many politicians and activists drawing inspiration from the party's progressive ideals and the Wisconsin Idea.

Category:Defunct political parties in the United States