Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

Follette breathed his last on June 18, 1925 due to cardiovascular disease. As the time of his death, was the United States Senator from Wisconsin. He was buried in the Forest Hill Cemetery.

Follette’s legacy was carried over by his two sons, Robert Jr. and Philip who entered politics as Progressives. While Philip played a prominent role in Wisconsin politics as governor, Robert, Jr. succeeded senior Follette’s seat in the US Senate. Robert was re-elected thrice, serving in the position until 1947.

Robert La Follette was born on June 14, 1855, to Josiah La Follette and Mary Ferguson in the Town of Primrose, Wisconsin.

Raised in a moderately prosperous rural area, young Follette had a troubled childhood. His father’s untimely death compelled the Follette family to sell the family farm for survival.

Since an early age, Follette took to teaching students. He enrolled at the University of Wisconsin from where he graduated in 1879. He was an average student greatly involved in social activities. Following graduation, he briefly attended the law school and in 1880, passed the bar.

Follette commenced his legal career as a Dane County District Attorney in 1880. He served in the position for two terms before being elected as the United States House of Representative which he served for three terms.

In 1890 elections, Democrats landslide victory led Follette to lose his Republican seat. Following the defeat, he returned to Madison and began his career in law. It was during this time that his reputation as a reformer developed.

Year 1891 was a turnaround year for Follette. A bribe offered to him by a Senator Philetus Sawyer, a state Republican leader, led him to declare war against Republican Party. He swore to fight against powerful businessmen and corrupt politicians.

To counter the vices of venality, Follette built an independent organization within the party that stressed on voter control. His created Republican faction, known as Insurgents, was basically against the stalwart faction of the party.

Follette’s Insurgent group slowly gained much prominence and by 1894 fought for leadership control from the Republican Party. His tax reform policies, demand for corporate regulation and political democracy, direct voter control and consumer rights gained him much limelight. He became noted for his natural charm, organizational capabilities and oratory skills.

Throughout his life, Robert La Follette took up important positions in US politics, starting off as a Governor of Wisconsin, later becoming US Senator and finally Leader of the Progressive Movement. In his various profiles, he fought against corruption and inequality. As the Governor, Follette came up with two new political techniques, Wisconsin Idea and Roll Call that secured the passage of several progressive reforms. As a Senator too, Follette helped pass several important laws and reformations in the federal government.