Fighting Bob La Follette

Fighting Bob La Follette
Author: Nancy C. Unger
Publisher: Univ of North Carolina Press
Total Pages: 410
Release: 2003-06-19
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0807861022

Robert "Fighting Bob" La Follette (1855-1925) was one of the most significant leaders of American progressivism. Nancy Unger integrates previously unknown details from La Follette's personal life with important events from his storied political career, revealing a complex man who was a compelling mixture of failure and accomplishment, tragedy and triumph. Serving as U.S. representative from 1885 to 1891, governor of Wisconsin from 1901 to 1906, and senator from Wisconsin from 1906 to his death in 1925, La Follette earned the nickname "Fighting Bob" through his uncompromising efforts to reform both politics and society, especially by championing the rights of the poor, workers, women, and minorities. Based on La Follette family letters, diaries, and other papers, this biography covers the personal events that shaped the public man. In particular, Unger explores La Follette's relationship with his remarkable wife, feminist Belle Case La Follette, and with his sons, both of whom succeeded him in politics. The La Follette who emerges from this retelling is an imperfect yet appealing man who deserves to be remembered as one of the United States' most devoted and effective politicians.

Young Bob

Young Bob
Author: Patrick J. Maney
Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society
Total Pages: 353
Release: 2003
Genre: Legislators
ISBN: 087020341X

He made his mark on national life as a key architect of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, a leading champion of labor rights and civil liberties, and author of legislation that endures to this present day." "Young Bob was one of the best senators in history but also one of the most tragic. In 1946, at the height of his national prominence, La Follette lost his Senate seat to Joseph McCarthy. Seven years later, with McCarthy very much on his mind, La Follette committed suicide."--BOOK JACKET.

The La Follettes of Wisconsin

The La Follettes of Wisconsin
Author: Bernard A. Weisberger
Publisher: Univ of Wisconsin Press
Total Pages: 396
Release: 1994-02-15
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 9780299141301

A collective biography of a prominent American political family, the La Follettes of Wisconsin, whose lives were inexorably linked with the Progressive movement.

Modern American Political Dynasties

Modern American Political Dynasties
Author: Kathleen Gronnerud
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Total Pages: 385
Release: 2018-10-18
Genre: History
ISBN: 1440854432

This collection of entries offers a front seat view of the rise, reign, and fall of powerful modern political families and examines the effects they have had on political, social, and economic issues in American society. Modern American Political Dynasties: A Study of Power, Family, and Political Influence is a unique research resource and fascinating read that explores the dynamics and modern America's most influential political families. It provides a thorough study of approximately 20 of the best-known surnames in 20th-century American politics. More than just a biography, it highlights how these families' dynamics have influenced political practice and thought, providing a holistic context for the evolution of political dynasties in the United States. The text includes a historically grounded examination of the crossroads of family and politics as it charts the origins, development, peak strength, and decline of each family. It is the only published volume to include biographical and contextual information on major political dynasties in addition to fascinating research on high-profile personalities. The book is for any research institution collection and will be of interest to both academics and general readers interested in American history and politics.

Robert M. La Follette and the Insurgent Spirit

Robert M. La Follette and the Insurgent Spirit
Author: David Paul Thelen
Publisher: Univ of Wisconsin Press
Total Pages: 228
Release: 1985
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 9780299106447

Robert M. La Follette and the Insurgent Spirit is a closely argued, lively, and readable biography of the central figure in the American Progressive movement. Wisconsin's "Fighting Bob" La Follette embodied the heart of Progressive sentiment and principle. He was a powerful force in shaping national political events between the eras of Populism and the New Deal

Congressional Lions

Congressional Lions
Author: J. Michael Martinez
Publisher: Lexington Books
Total Pages: 261
Release: 2019-10-10
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 149855945X

In some periods of American history, members of the legislative branch have been as influential, and sometimes more influential, than a particular president in crafting public policy and reacting to world events. Congressional Lions examines twelve influential members of Congress throughout American history to understand their role in shaping the life of the nation. The book does not focus exclusively on the biographical details of these lawmakers, although biography invariably plays a role in recalling their triumphs and tragedies. Instead, the book highlights members’ legislative accomplishments as well as the circumstances surrounding their congressional service.

The New Progressive Era

The New Progressive Era
Author: Peter Levine
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 270
Release: 2000
Genre: History
ISBN: 0847695735

A century ago, Americans launched a period of civic renewal and political reform. Today, amid deep dissatisfaction with our major institutions, there are signs that a new movement may revive the spirit of the original progressive era. Peter Levine draws inspiration from the great progressive leader Robert M. La Follete, Sr., and his circle, which included John Dewey, Jane Addams, and Louis Brandeis. He argues that their ideal of a fair and deliberative democracy is right for out time. Combining their philosophy and experience with the best contemporary proposals, Levine advocates campaign finance reform, an entirely different approach to regulation, new styles of journalism and civic education, and fundamental changes in the tax system. This book offers today's most comprehensive plan for civic renewal and political reform.