| − | Beginning around the turn of the 20th Century, the ideology of [[Progressivism]] became prominent in Wisconsin politics, with Progressivists taking control of the Republican Party, which was dominant in state politics, around 1900.<ref name="WSidea">[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-036/?action=more_essay Progressivism and the Wisconsin Idea]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 23, 2016.</ref> While Republican Wisconsin governor and senator [[Robert M. La Follette]] led the movement on the state and national level, there were numerous other Progressivist leaders in Wisconsin, including governor [[James Davidson]].<ref name="WSidea"/> Progressivists enacted much legislation during this time, on both the state and federal level, which [[Big government|massively increased]] the size and scope of the government.<ref name="WSidea"/> Despite the successes of Progressivism, numerous people, including within the Republican Party, disagreed with Progressivist policies, although for differing reasons.<ref name="WSidea"/> The "[[Wisconsin Idea]]" was developed during this time.<ref name="WSidea"/> | + | Beginning around the turn of the 20th Century, the ideology of [[Progressivism]] became prominent in Wisconsin politics, with Progressivists taking control of the Republican Party, which was dominant in state politics, around 1900.<ref name="WSidea">[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-036/?action=more_essay Progressivism and the Wisconsin Idea]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 23, 2016.</ref> While Republican Wisconsin governor and senator [[Robert M. La Follette]] led the movement on the state and national level, there were numerous other Progressivist leaders in Wisconsin, including governor [[James Davidson]].<ref name="WSidea"/> Progressivists enacted much legislation during this time, including the first state to hold open primaries and pass the [[income tax]]. Progressive legislation [[Big government|massively increased]] the size and scope of the government on both the state and federal level.<ref name="WSidea"/> Despite the successes of Progressivism, numerous people, including within the Republican Party, disagreed with Progressivist policies, although for differing reasons.<ref name="WSidea"/> The "[[Wisconsin Idea]]" was developed during this time.<ref name="WSidea"/> |
| | During the [[Great Depression]] in the 1930s, Progressivists continued to enact legislation in Wisconsin that expanded government programs and power, this time under the leadership of Robert La Follette's two sons, Robert La Follette Jr. and Phil La Follette.<ref>[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-045/?action=more_essay Depression and Unemployment]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 23, 2016.</ref> In 1934, Progressivist Republicans, who were dissatisfied with the conservatism of both the GOP and the Democrats, split from the GOP and formed the [[Wisconsin Progressive Party]].<ref name="WPP">[http://www.encyclopedia.com/economics/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/wisconsin-progressive-party Wisconsin Progressive Party]. ''Encyclopedia.com''. Retrieved November 23, 2016.</ref> The party performed very well in the succeeding elections at first, capturing the governorship and state legislature, and was able to enact a "Little New Deal".<ref name="WPP"/> However, the party eventually lost support and was dissolved in 1946.<ref name="WPP"/> | | During the [[Great Depression]] in the 1930s, Progressivists continued to enact legislation in Wisconsin that expanded government programs and power, this time under the leadership of Robert La Follette's two sons, Robert La Follette Jr. and Phil La Follette.<ref>[http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-045/?action=more_essay Depression and Unemployment]. ''Wisconsin Historical Society''. Retrieved November 23, 2016.</ref> In 1934, Progressivist Republicans, who were dissatisfied with the conservatism of both the GOP and the Democrats, split from the GOP and formed the [[Wisconsin Progressive Party]].<ref name="WPP">[http://www.encyclopedia.com/economics/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/wisconsin-progressive-party Wisconsin Progressive Party]. ''Encyclopedia.com''. Retrieved November 23, 2016.</ref> The party performed very well in the succeeding elections at first, capturing the governorship and state legislature, and was able to enact a "Little New Deal".<ref name="WPP"/> However, the party eventually lost support and was dissolved in 1946.<ref name="WPP"/> |