Legacy of Progress: R.M. LaFollette Portrait

This image features R.M. LaFollette, a prominent figure in American politics during the early 20th century. Born in 1855, LaFollette was a leading advocate for progressive reforms in the United States. He served as a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin and was known for his strong stance against corporate influence in politics. LaFollette was also a key player in the Progressive Movement, fighting for issues like womens suffrage, labor rights, and government regulation of monopolies. His work laid the groundwork for significant changes in American political and social life.

The photograph is an example of early photojournalism, captured as a glass negative by a photographer from the Bain News Service. Glass negatives were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, allowing for detailed images that could be reproduced as prints. While the exact date and location of this image arent recorded, its significance is tied to the broader context of LaFollettes life and political career, reflecting a time when progressive ideals gained traction in American society. This image helps us connect visually with R.M. LaFollettes legacy and the era he helped shape.