Robert La Follette Jr., American politician (d. 1953)

Robert Marion "Young Bob" La Follette Jr. (February 6, 1895 – February 24, 1953) was a prominent American politician and a key figure in the Progressive movement, best known for his extensive service as a U.S. Senator representing Wisconsin from 1925 to 1947. Emerging from one of America's most influential political families, his career was deeply intertwined with the evolving landscape of 20th-century American liberalism and reform.

A Legacy Forged in Progressive Politics

La Follette Jr. inherited a profound political legacy. He was the son of Robert M. "Fighting Bob" La Follette Sr., a legendary figure who served as a U.S. Representative, a highly influential U.S. Senator, and Governor of Wisconsin. "Fighting Bob" Sr. was a pioneering force behind the Progressive movement, advocating for direct democracy, regulation of corporations, and social welfare programs. Building on this formidable foundation, "Young Bob" continued his father's reformist agenda. The La Follette political dynasty extended to the next generation as well, with Robert Jr.'s son, Bronson La Follette, later serving with distinction as Attorney General of Wisconsin.

Senator for Wisconsin: Championing Progressive Ideals

Upon his father's death in 1925, "Young Bob" was elected to the Senate, continuing a remarkable family tradition. Throughout his 22-year tenure, he consistently championed causes aligned with the Progressive platform. His policy work focused on:

• Labor Rights: A staunch advocate for working people, he supported legislation aimed at protecting union activities and improving labor conditions, playing a significant role in the passage of the Norris-LaGuardia Act of 1932, which limited federal court injunctions against strikes and boycotts.
• Economic Reform: La Follette Jr. was a vocal critic of corporate monopolies and concentrated economic power. He pushed for policies that aimed to distribute wealth more equitably and curb the influence of big business.
• Social Welfare: He advocated for government intervention to address social issues, including unemployment. His efforts led to the creation of the La Follette-Costigan Bill, which provided federal aid to states for unemployment relief during the Great Depression.
• Civil Liberties: During the late 1930s, he chaired the Senate Civil Liberties Committee, commonly known as the La Follette Committee, which investigated violations of labor rights and civil liberties, including corporate espionage and suppression of union organizing.
• Non-Interventionism: Prior to World War II, La Follette Jr. was a prominent non-interventionist, advocating for America to avoid entanglement in foreign conflicts, though he later supported the United States' role in the United Nations.

The Progressive Party and Midwestern Alliances

Robert M. La Follette Jr. played a crucial role as a co-founder of the Progressive Party, initially established by his father as a national third party in 1924. While the party's national influence waned after the 1920s, "Young Bob" tirelessly worked to keep its principles alive within the U.S. Senate. He frequently collaborated with the Farmer-Labor Party, a significant political force in adjacent Minnesota, forging alliances based on shared platforms of agrarian and labor rights, anti-monopoly stances, and progressive social policies. This regional cooperation helped sustain a distinct progressive voice in Congress throughout challenging times.

The End of an Era: Defeat by Joseph McCarthy

The year 1946 marked a pivotal turning point in "Young Bob"'s career and, arguably, in Wisconsin politics. Despite his long-standing popularity and deep roots in the state's political landscape, he was unexpectedly defeated in the Republican primary election by a then-relatively unknown judge, Joseph McCarthy. This contest is often viewed as a symbolic shift, signaling the decline of the traditional progressive movement in Wisconsin and the ascendance of a new, more conservative political force fueled by the nascent anti-communist sentiment of the post-war era. McCarthy's victory, achieved through a campaign that some historians describe as utilizing smear tactics and leveraging post-war anxieties, effectively ended the La Follette family's direct influence in the U.S. Senate and paved the way for McCarthy's controversial national prominence.

Frequently Asked Questions about Robert M. La Follette Jr.

Who was Robert M. La Follette Jr.?

Robert M. La Follette Jr. was an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin from 1925 to 1947. He was a leading figure in the Progressive movement and the son of legendary Senator Robert M. La Follette Sr.

What was Robert M. La Follette Jr.'s political affiliation?

He was a co-founder of the Progressive Party, a third party that emerged from his father's efforts to champion social and economic reforms. While he ran under various banners throughout his career, his core ideology remained firmly progressive.

What were some of his key contributions as a U.S. Senator?

As a Senator, La Follette Jr. was a staunch advocate for labor rights, economic equality, and civil liberties. He championed legislation like the Norris-LaGuardia Act, oversaw significant investigations into industrial espionage and labor practices through the La Follette Committee, and worked on unemployment relief during the Great Depression.

How did Robert M. La Follette Jr.'s political career end?

His long career in the Senate concluded in 1946 when he was defeated in the Republican primary by Joseph McCarthy. This defeat is often seen as a significant moment marking a shift in Wisconsin's political landscape and the national rise of McCarthyism.