During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s the progressive leader that was most significant to the development and progress of the United States was Robert La Follette or as people know him as “Fighting Bob”. He was the most crucial individual in the development of the United States around the turn of the century.
When Follette wanted to begin his political career, he wouldn’t get support from party bosses. So he decided to go to the people and communities for their vote and their support, which made him get support from many people. Maybe that is why people liked him, he didn’t have to pay or bribe anyone to get where he was, and he earned people’s votes and support. Robert La Follette was Congressman of House or Representatives for 3 terms, governor of Wisconsin for 5 years, and senator for Washington for 20 year. Robert La Follette enacted the nation’s first “direct primary” law. This law allowed people to vote directly for the politician of their choice in state primary. This was just one of the great things Robert La Follette did for the United States.
Robert La Follette illustrated his greatness through helping the bottom class. Follette didn’t support corruption at all. He wasn’t a socialist but he was the closest thing to being a socialist. He wanted to get rid of all the bad monopolies in the nation. He didn’t like that these big bad monopolies would keep the poor at the bottom of the food chain, not helping them.
So technically Robert La Follette was the progressive era leader that was most significant to the development and progress to the United States. Throughout all his political achievements and his political career, you can honestly say, Robert La Follette (Fighting Bob) was the best progressive era leader.