The Election of 1912

Candidates:
- President Taft renominated by Republicans after excluding Roosevelt's delegates.
- Theodore Roosevelt formed the Progressive Party, also known as the Bull Moose Party.
- Woodrow Wilson united Democrats, previously a governor of New Jersey.
- Eugene V. Debs represented the Socialist Party.
Campaign Themes:
- Roosevelt advocated for a New Nationalism emphasizing:
- Increased government regulation of business and unions
- Women's suffrage
- Enhanced social welfare programs
- Wilson promised a New Freedom focusing on:
- Limiting big business and big government
- Ending corruption and reviving competition for small businesses
Election Outcome:
- Wilson won the presidency with a landslide in the electoral college despite less than a majority of the popular vote due to Republican split.
- Democrats gained control of Congress.
- Continued reform under Wilson, though Progressive Party struggled at local levels, indicating potential failure.
Long-term Influence:
- Roosevelt's ideas on federal government regulations would have lasting impact throughout the century, influencing future programs like the New Deal and the Great Society.