Wisconsin History Day By Day


Related Web Sites:
Robert Marion La Follette

The Career of Robert M. La Follette

Robert M. La Follette speeches


Read More About It

Robert La Follette's autobiography

"Badger Saints and Sinners" by Fred Holmes

"The Early Life of Robert M. La Follette, 1855-1884" by David Thelen


Vocabulary:

prominence
oratory
terms
inaugurated
progressive
reforms


Interesting Fact:

While in the U.S. Senate during World War I, La Follette voted against the declaration of war against Germany and many saw him as a German sympathaizer. There was even an attempt to expel him from the Senate.


Study Questions:

  • What are some of the progressive reforms that La Follette championed while in the govenor's office?
  • In 1924, La Follette ran for U.S. president as a third party candidate. In what year did he seek the Republican presidential nomination?
  • What University of Wisconsin professor influenced La Follette with his moral and ethical teachings?


    U.S. historical events that occurred on January 7:

    1942: U.S. forces complete their retreat to the Bataan Penninsula in the Philippines during World War II, ending with their surrender in April.



  • January 7

    Wisconsin's Governors:

    Robert La Follette, Wisconsin's 20th governor, was born in a log cabin at Primrose on June 14, 1855. He was the first Wisconsin-born governor to take office. He attended the University of Wisconsin where he gained prominence in his oratory skills. He entered the law practice in Madison and was elected Dane County District Attorney in 1880. At age 29, La Follette was elected to Congress, becoming the youngest member. He served three terms and was defeated in 1890. In 1900, La Follette was elected governor, his third attempt at the office. He was inaugurated on January 7, 1901. His five years in office were known for progressive reforms and reorganization. La Follette was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1905. His statue is in the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall as Wisconsin's greatest son. Died: June 18, 1925.


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