Progressive Prez Election

Achieving Immortality… Progressive Style! As we have seen, the early 1900s were a time of whitehot debate in the world of politics. Discussions about bimetallism and social reform filled the air, and the public stood on the edges, enthusiastically cheering on their supporters. The nation is now prepared to carve a great monument to our past presidents: Mount Rushmore. Three of the spots have already been chosen. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln have already secured their places on the mountain’s façade. It has been decided that the fourth candidate should be a president from the Progressive Era. The question is: who? You will simulate a fictional debate between three Progressive presidents; Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson. [There will also be the “loser” candidate William Jennings Bryan]. They will each be trying to convince you that they fit the mold as the most “Progressive” president. The hope is that you will gain a better understanding of what each candidate brought to the table by watching them slug it out on the political stage. The presidential candidates will present their ideas about the role of government in the economy, while the citizens will decide which candidate will best meet their needs. We will then have a vote to see who is chosen as “most” Progressive. Those not part of the Presidential campaign will be represent the American people, and will decide which President to put on the mountain. This monument is likely to become world famous, and a symbol of American leadership to those abroad. So don’t blow it.

How the Campaign Will Work Each one of the candidates will be given the job of convincing the American people that their progressive platform and accomplishments are the best. Job of the Candidates Readings will be assigned to give each of the groups some background material, to give them an idea of who their candidate is and what they stand for. You will make a campaign poster and compose a 5 minute (approximate) speech or skit detailing what your candidate did during the Progressive Era. Remember, you are trying to immortalize yourself on Mt. Rushmore; the emphasis of your campaign should be on how you embody the principles that were important during the Progressive Era. Job of the Citizens You have a very difficult task; you must decide which President gets to join the illustrious trio atop Mt. Rushmore. You will develop a list of criteria that you think makes a person Progressive, and present it to the candidates, so that they have an idea about how to campaign effectively. As voters during the Progressive Era, you will be easily swayed by any candidate who lives up the ideals that we have articulated in class.

The Progressive Presidents Teddy Roosevelt

William H. Taft

Woodrow Wilson

Questions to Answer 1. What are the requirements for a president to be “Progressive”? Give four character traits/policies that help a president meet this label.

2. Critics have claimed that Progressives are anti-business? you agree with this statement? Support your answer.

Do

3. If you had to sum up what it means to be a Progressive in one sentence, what would it be?

__________________________________________________________ 4. What features were considered most important by the class when it came to determining who was the most Progressive?

5. The Progressive presidents were both Republicans and Democrats; why do you think the Progressive spirit was able to cross party lines?

6. Prediction: The United States had 3 Progressive presidents in a row. What event (or events) do you think brings that number to an end? Why?