Robert M. La Follette Jr.

Robert M. La Follette Jr. was an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Wisconsin from 1925 to 1947, following in the footsteps of his father, Robert M. La Follette Sr., a prominent Progressive Party leader. La Follette Jr. was a key figure in the Progressive Movement, working closely with notable politicians such as Theodore Roosevelt, George Norris, and Fiorello La Guardia. He was also influenced by the ideas of Woodrow Wilson and the New Freedom platform. La Follette Jr.'s political career was marked by his commitment to progressive ideals, including support for labor unions, social welfare programs, and regulatory reforms.

● Early Life and Education

La Follette Jr. was born in Madison, Wisconsin, to Robert M. La Follette Sr. and Belle Case La Follette, a prominent women's rights activist. He grew up in a family deeply involved in Wisconsin politics, with his father serving as Governor of Wisconsin and later as a United States Senator. La Follette Jr. attended University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he studied economics and politics, and was influenced by the ideas of John R. Commons and Richard T. Ely. He also worked closely with the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Library, which was established by his father to provide research support for Wisconsin Legislature.

● Career

La Follette Jr.'s career in politics began when he worked as a secretary to his father, Robert M. La Follette Sr., in the United States Senate. He also worked with the National Progressive Republican League, a organization founded by his father to promote progressive ideals within the Republican Party. La Follette Jr. was a strong supporter of the La Follette Seamen's Act, which was introduced by his father to improve working conditions for merchant mariners. He also worked with labor leaders such as Samuel Gompers and John L. Lewis to promote labor rights and social justice.

● Senate Career

La Follette Jr. was elected to the United States Senate in 1925, following the death of his father, Robert M. La Follette Sr.. He served alongside notable senators such as George Norris, William Borah, and Hiram Johnson. La Follette Jr. was a key figure in the Senate Committee on Manufactures, where he worked to promote regulatory reforms and consumer protection. He also supported the National Industrial Recovery Act, which was introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the New Deal program. La Follette Jr. worked closely with Henry A. Wallace, the Secretary of Agriculture, to promote agricultural reforms and rural development.

● Later Life and Death

La Follette Jr. lost his seat in the United States Senate in 1946, when he was defeated by Joseph McCarthy in the Republican primary. He continued to work as a lobbyist and consultant, promoting progressive ideals and social justice. La Follette Jr. died on February 24, 1953, in Washington, D.C., and was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin. His legacy was celebrated by notable politicians such as Adlai Stevenson, Hubert Humphrey, and Chester Bowles, who praised his commitment to progressive ideals and public service.

● Legacy

La Follette Jr.'s legacy is closely tied to the Progressive Movement, which he helped to promote through his work in the United States Senate. He is remembered as a champion of labor rights, social welfare programs, and regulatory reforms. La Follette Jr.'s commitment to progressive ideals has inspired generations of politicians, including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Ted Kennedy. His work on the Senate Committee on Manufactures helped to promote consumer protection and regulatory reforms, which have had a lasting impact on American business and industry. La Follette Jr.'s legacy continues to be celebrated by the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which is dedicated to promoting public service and progressive ideals. Category:United States Senators from Wisconsin