Achieving Immortality…

Progressive Style!
As we have seen, the early 1900s were a time of white-
hot debate in the world of politics. Discussions about
bimetallism and social reform filled the air, and the
public stood on the edges, enthusiastically cheering on
their supporters.

The nation is now prepared to carve a great monument

to our past presidents: Mount Rushmore. Three of the spots have
already been chosen. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and
Abraham Lincoln have already secured their places on the mountain’s
façade. It has been decided that the fourth candidate should be a
president from the Progressive Era. The question is: who?

You will simulate a fictional debate between three Progressive

presidents; Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow
Wilson. [There will also be the “loser” candidate William Jennings
Bryan]. They will each be trying to convince you that they fit the mold
as the most “Progressive” president. The hope is that you will gain a
better understanding of what each candidate brought to the table by
watching them slug it out on the political stage.

The presidential candidates will present their ideas about the role of
government in the economy, while the citizens will decide which
candidate will best meet their needs. We will then have a vote to see
who is chosen as “most” Progressive.

Those not part of the Presidential campaign will be represent the

American people, and will decide which President to put on the
mountain. This monument is likely to become world famous, and a
symbol of American leadership to those abroad. So don’t blow it.
 How the Campaign Will Work
Each one of the candidates will be given the job of convincing the
American people that their progressive platform and
accomplishments are the best.

Job of the Candidates

Readings will be assigned to give each of the groups some background
material, to give them an idea of who their candidate is and what they
stand for. You will make a campaign poster and compose a 5 minute
(approximate) speech or skit detailing what your candidate did
during the Progressive Era.

Remember, you are trying to immortalize yourself on Mt. Rushmore;

the emphasis of your campaign should be on how you embody the
principles that were important during the Progressive Era.

Job of the Citizens

You have a very difficult task; you must decide which President gets
to join the illustrious trio atop Mt. Rushmore. You will develop a list
of criteria that you think makes a person Progressive, and present it
to the candidates, so that they have an idea about how to campaign
effectively.

As voters during the Progressive Era, you will be easily swayed by any
candidate who lives up the ideals that we have articulated in class.
 The Progressive
Presidents
Teddy Roosevelt William H. Taft Woodrow Wilson
 Questions to Answer
1. What are the requirements for a president to be
“Progressive”? Give four character traits/policies that help a
president meet this label.

2. Critics have claimed that Progressives are anti-business? Do

you agree with this statement? Support your answer.

3. If you had to sum up what it means to be a Progressive in

one sentence, what would it be?

__________________________________________________________

4. What features were considered most important by the class

when it came to determining who was the most Progressive?

5. The Progressive presidents were both Republicans and

Democrats; why do you think the Progressive spirit was able
to cross party lines?

6. Prediction: The United States had 3 Progressive presidents in

a row. What event (or events) do you think brings that
number to an end? Why?