11. How did Wilson win the Presidency of 1912? Look at the chart on page 610 and analyze the results of the election. Read Lesson 4 and Topic 11.4: The Progressive Presidents Progressivism in American History textbook. Read Wilson wins the Presidency.
In the election of 1912, Woodrow Wilson won the presidency by taking advantage of the split within the Republican Party and appealing to progressive voters. The chart on page 610 shows the results of the election, which consisted of four major candidates running for office.
Woodrow Wilson, the Democratic candidate, won the most electoral votes and secured a majority in the Electoral College, with a total of 435 electoral votes. He also won the popular vote with 42% of the total votes cast.
Theodore Roosevelt, the Progressive (or Bull Moose) Party candidate, finished second in both the electoral vote and popular vote categories. He received 88 electoral votes and garnered 27% of the popular vote.
The incumbent President William Howard Taft, running as the Republican Party candidate, came in third place. He only won 8 electoral votes and received 23% of the popular vote.
Eugene V. Debs, the Socialist Party candidate, finished last, with no electoral votes and 6% of the popular vote.
Wilson's victory can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the Republican Party was deeply divided between Taft and Roosevelt. This division weakened the Republican vote, allowing Wilson to secure a majority in the Electoral College.
Secondly, Wilson's campaign heavily appealed to progressive voters, who were seeking political and social reforms. His platform focused on issues such as tariff reform, trust regulation, and labor rights, which resonated with progressive-minded Americans.
Lastly, Wilson's personal appeal and strong speaking skills helped him connect with the voters. He was seen as an intelligent and charismatic candidate, which worked in his favor during the campaign.
Overall, Wilson's victory in the 1912 presidential election was a result of capitalizing on the division within the Republican Party and successfully appealing to progressive voters with his reform-oriented platform.