THE SOCIAL INSURANCE MOVEMENT--The 1912 Presidential Election gggff

Theodore Roosevelt addressing a campaign rally during the 1912 campaign.

Sound & Video Clips of TR Campaigning

Sound Clips:

The Bosses of the Political Deal (MP3 format) In this recording TR makes the argument that both Republicans and Democrats are tools of the privileged classes, and both are enemies of the common people. (Soundclip from Vincent Voice Library at Michigan University)   The Progressive Party's Covenant with the People (Wav format) TR claims that political parties have become tools of corrupt interests--an invisible government behind the official government. The new Progressive Party, he pledges, will be true to the interests of the people. "Our cause is based on the eternal principles of righteousness," he tells his listeners. He concludes with the clarion call of his progressive crusade when he says of his campaign, "We stand at Armageddon, and we battle for the Lord." (Recorded August, 1912) [TRANSCRIPTION OF SPEECH]       Social and Industrial Justice (Wav format) In this interesting speech TR makes the case that the courts of the land should not be the final authority on the Constitution. He is arguing for the reforms of initiative, referendum and recall, which were among the ideas of reform which were popular during the Progressive Era. "We must protect the crushable elements at the base of our industrial structure," he states. TR also argues for the concept of a "living wage" and explains how this is the necessary basis for both freedom and justice. He also argues for legal limitations on hours of labor. (Recorded August, 1912) [TRANSCRIPTION OF SPEECH]       The Farmer and the Businessman(Wav format) "The welfare of the farmer is a basic need of this nation," TR tells his listeners. He argues for governmental intervention to improve the economic condition of farmers. He also presents a vision of how "decent, respectable and energetic men," do legitimate business. "Our aim is to control business, not to strangle it," he says. (Recorded August, 1912) [TRANSCRIPTION OF SPEECH]       The Right of the People to Rule (Wav format) This is TR's expression of his fundamental faith in the principles of democracy. He claims that the Republicans and Democrats are enemies of true democracy, embracing only the appearance of being in favor of democracy. He puts the issue in a broad intellectual context, making detailed references to the French Revolution. (Recorded August, 1912) [TRANSCRIPTION OF SPEECH]

Video Clips: (Courtesy of the Library of Congress)

Silent movie of TR campaigning in September 1912 in Fargo, ND As part of a western campaign tour, TR speaks to crowds and firms up Progressive Party structure in the area of Fargo, North Dakota, September 6, 1912. Several views from varying distances of TR greeting and speaking to crowds from rear of train; TR addressing large crowd from a decorated platform, apparently in a stadium; TR speaking from rear of train to Indian men, women, and children assembled on open plains; several long shots of crowds; medium-close silhouette of TR and three men conversing, one of whom appears to be George E. Roosevelt, TR's cousin and campaign secretary in the 1912 election. (LC Description) Part 1 (MPEG format, 27 mb file size)   Part 1 (Quick Time format, 11 Mb file size) Part 2 (MPEG format, 18 Mb file size)   Part 2 (Quick Time format, 7 Mb file size)   Silent movie of TR campaigning in 1912 in Pueblo, CO As part of a western tour, TR addresses crowd in his campaign for the presidency under the Progressive Party banner in what appears to be Pueblo, Colorado, on September 19, 1912. Long shots of gathered crowd, with views of two cameramen on a platform with the sign: Mile High Photo Co., Denver. Views from varying distances of TR speaking with prepared text, from a decorated gazebo; three unidentified men seated inside gazebo; long shots of crowd, with some people on horseback, and a body of water visible in background. (LC Description)   MPEG Format (12 Mb file size) Quick Time Format (5 Mb file size)