Election+of+1912

The [|Election of 1912] was dominated by reform efforts by four different candidates: William Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, Eugene V. Debs, and Woodrow Wilson. Taft was renominated as the Republican candidate, beating out Teddy Roosevelt who then decided to form a new party with the Progressive Republicans and became the candidate for the Bull Moose Party. Woodrow Wilson was the Democratic candidate, and The socialist one was once again Eugene V. Debs.

One of the issues of this election was the fact that Roosevelt and Taft split up the Republicans. The main reason that Roosevelt decided to run was because of Taft's trust busting. Roosevelt began busting trusts, but within limits. His method of trust busting was much more restricted and reasonable. Also, Roosevelt was displeased with the way the Pinchot-Ballinger Controversy got settled. Taft's policies and reforms were angering Roosevelt, and he knew that the only way to stop him was to prevent him from getting the presidency again, so he ran against him and stole many votes.

Roosevelt became the candidate for the Bull Moose Party, which received its nickname because of Roosevelt's claim that he was as strong as a bull moose. He supported the idea of a [|New Nationalism] with more government regulation of unions and businesses, women suffrage, and more social welfare problems. He had the support of the Progressives, as well as many citizens who supported him when he was President. He successfully kept the presidency away from Taft, even though he didn't get elected once more.

Woodrow Wilson received the Democratic nomination after 46 ballots. He supported a policy called the [|New Freedom] that was based less on a strong government and more on individualism. Though he was relatively unknown, Wilson made a lasting impression on many people.

Taft, as opposed to the other candidates, chose not to campaign much because he was resigned to the fact that the Republican party was split between himself and former President Roosevelt. Even Eugene Debs campaigned a bit with his [|Socialist party]. Debs tried to convince everyone that only the Socialists represented labor, but was unsuccessful. 

The outcome of the election was very unique. Debs had gotten 6% of the popular vote, but no electoral votes. Taft won 23% of the popular vote, and only 8 electoral votes, while Roosevelt won 27% of the popular vote and 88 electoral votes, 80 more than Taft. The winner by a landslide though, was The outcome of the election was very unique. Debs had gotten 6% of the popular vote, but no electoral votes. Taft won 23% of the popular vote, and only 8 electoral votes, while Roosevelt won 27% of the popular vote and 88 electoral votes, 80 more than Taft. The winner by a landslide though, was Woodrow Wilson with 43% of the popular votes, and 435 electoral votes. His election was practically secured since the beginning, when the Republican Party split. The fact that Wilson and Roosevelt got the most votes in both areas showed that Progressives were becoming more influential throughout the country.