Turning Points
in Wisconsin History
The Career of Robert M. La Follette
Robert La Follette developed his fierce opposition to corporate power and political corruption as a young man. Affiliated with the Republican Party for almost his entire career, La Follette embarked on a political path that would take him to Congress, the governorship of Wisconsin, and the U.S. Senate. His support for progressive reforms, rousing oratory, and frequent clashes with party leaders earned him the nickname "Fighting Bob."
Born in Primrose township, Dane County, in 1855, La Follette worked as a farm laborer before entering the University of Wisconsin in 1875. After graduating in 1879, La Follette launched his political career... more...
Original Documents and Other Primary Sources
 | How La Follette revolutionized the primary election |
| La Follette decries party machines and private interests, 1897 |
| A survey of progressive politics in Wisconsin, 1934 |
| A journalist reviews Progressive achievements, 1900-1930. |
| Wisconsin passes worker's compensation law, 1911. |
| Campaign literature from Robert La Follette |
| La Follette publicly opposes U.S. entry into the war, 1917 |
 | Flag used to drape the caskets of La Follette Sr. and Jr. |
 | Conditions on Wisconsin Indian reservations, 1909-1910 |
 | Pictures of Robert M. La Follette, Sr. |
| A 1906 La Follette political cartoon |
| A 1911 cartoon of La Follette's railroad reform |
| Life magazine portrays La Follette as a traitor in 1917 |
.