As the second son of the most famous Wisconsin progressive, Philip La Follette's own political journey was incontrovertibly marked by his father's legacy. Growing up in the shadow of a major political figure like "Fighting Bob" La Follette made for a politically charged childhood - and laid the groundwork for Phil and his older brother, "Young Bob," to make their own marks on the progressive political scene in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. Like his father's, Phil's political personality was fiery, confrontational, and unwavering, and his efforts led to the passage of the country's first unemployment compensation act, aid programs for workers and farmers, and the reorganization of state government. Phil La Follette's is a history of continuing progressivism, of innovative solutions to social problems, and of loyalty to a political ethos that goes far beyond love of country. Jonathan Kasparek examines La Follette's path from political origins through public office, active duty in the Pacific, return to law practice, and the end of the Progressive era. His treatment of this "Fighting Son" is a monument not only to La Follette but to progressive politics in Wisconsin.

About the Author
Jonathan Kasparek has published several articles on the history of Wisconsin and is the coauthor of Voices and Votes: How Democracy Works in Wisconsin and Wisconsin History Highlights: Delving into the Past, both published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. He has spoken on Depression-era Wisconsin as part of the Voices of the Progressive Tradition program at Taliesin and the state capitol and currently teaches history at University of Wisconsin-Waukesha. He lives in Madison.

Awards
Winner of Midwest Book Award (MIPA) (Political Science) 2006.



Book Information
ISBN 9780870203534
Author Jonathan Kasparek
Format Paperback
Page Count 296
Imprint Wisconsin Historical Society,US
Publisher Wisconsin Historical Society,US