Section 8-2

Progressivism Under Taft

Taft Becomes President

• William Howard Taft- Roosevelt’s handpicked successor to run against William Jennings Bryan in the 1908 election.

• Payne-Aldrich Tariff- a compromise on the Payne Bill and Aldrich Bill that only moderated the high rates of the Aldrich Bill.

The Republican Party Splits

• Bull Moose Party- The Progressive Party become known as this, after Roosevelt’s boast that he was “as strong as a bull moose.” Called for the direct election of senators and the adoption of the initiative, referendum, and recall in all states. Advocated woman suffrage, workmen’s compensation, an eight-hour workday, minimum wage for women, a federal law against child labor, and a federal trade commission to regulate business.

• Woodrow Wilson- Democratic candidate in the 1912 election. Wins because of the split in the republican party.