Introduction
In this chapter students have read about the reform movement that swept across the country during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Honest and efficient government, voting rights for women, conservation, and fair business practices were only a few of the issues that progressive reformers pushed forward. One of the founders of the Progressive movement was Robert La Follette of Wisconsin. In this activity students will learn more about La Follette and how his willingness to fight for change earned him the nickname "Fightin' Bob."

Lesson Description
Students will visit the Sustaining Wisconsin Web site. They will read an article about former Wisconsin governor Robert La Follette and answer several questions about his political contributions. Finally, they will create a political cartoon about one of the progressive reform issues.

Instructional Objectives

1. The learner will be able to summarize several progressive reforms.
2. The learner will be able to summarize the achievements of Robert La Follette.
3. The learner will be able to identify a reform issue and create a political cartoon about that issue.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. District Attorney, member of the House of Representatives, senator, governor
2. Wisconsin was the first state to adopt the primary for nominations for state offices, it began taxing railroads on the value of their property, it imposed taxes on corporations, it formed a railroad commission to regulate rates, it increased funding for education, and it adopted civil service reform.
3. It was Charles McCarthy's vision of a state where experts and scientists would assist lawmakers in formulating policy and where the state university would be involved in policymaking.
4. The state university is located in the state capital.
5. Students' cartoons will vary.

Go To Student Web Activity