6. Wisconsin: The Progressive Movement’s Roots
Wisconsin was a pioneer in the Progressive Movement, enacting reforms that became national models. Under Governor Robert M. La Follette, Sr. (1901-1906), the state introduced direct primary elections, allowing voters to choose party nominees directly, reducing political boss influence. La Follette also implemented civil service reforms to ensure government jobs were awarded based on merit. The 1911 legislature, under Governor Francis McGovern, established one of the nation’s first workers’ compensation programs, regulated factory safety, and limited work hours for women and children. These initiatives, collectively known as the “Wisconsin Idea,” emphasized the use of academic experts to draft laws and administer state regulatory agencies, aiming to serve the public interest (wisconsinhistory.org).
