Why (even though he had been elected president twice before) was it difficult for Roosevelt to gain the Republican Party's nomination in 1912?
So, what did Roosevelt do? What was his (and his supporters') plan?
I only have the answer for the first part and need help with the second part. heres my answer for the first part though
-He ran on a platform of "reform"...in other words, he wanted to change the Establishment (not just in his own Party but in all of Washington)...This cost him allies in both parties.
Great start! Now, let's dive into the second part and explore what Roosevelt did and what his plan was when it became difficult for him to gain the Republican Party's nomination in 1912.
When it became clear that Roosevelt was facing resistance within his own party, he and his supporters decided to take action. They formed a new political party called the Progressive Party, which was also known as the Bull Moose Party. This was a significant move as it signaled their discontent with the current state of the Republican Party and their determination to push for progressive reforms.
Roosevelt's plan was to challenge the existing political system and advocate for substantial changes in government policies. He aimed to address issues such as social justice, labor reform, conservation, and women's suffrage. Roosevelt positioned himself as a reformer, emphasizing his commitment to progressive ideals and promising to fight against corruption and monopolistic practices.
To gain popular support and rally his followers, Roosevelt embarked on an aggressive campaign. He traveled extensively throughout the country, delivering passionate speeches and connecting directly with voters. His charisma, energy, and speaking skills helped him win over many supporters who appreciated his determination to challenge the status quo.
Despite his popularity, Roosevelt faced a formidable opponent in the 1912 presidential election, as the incumbent President William Taft was also seeking re-election representing the Republican Party. This split within the Republican Party essentially guaranteed that the Democratic nominee, Woodrow Wilson, would have a significant advantage in the race.
In the end, although Roosevelt received more popular votes than Taft, Wilson emerged as the victor, becoming the 28th President of the United States. However, Roosevelt's campaign and the formation of the Progressive Party left a lasting impact on American politics, as it marked a significant shift towards progressive reform and influenced future legislative advancements.
In summary, faced with difficulty in gaining the Republican Party's nomination in 1912, Roosevelt and his supporters formed the Progressive Party. Their plan was to challenge the existing political system and advocate for progressive reforms through an aggressive campaign that aimed to engage the public and rally support for their cause. Though unsuccessful in securing the presidency in 1912, Roosevelt's efforts left a lasting impact on American politics.