The Progressive Era was a time of tremendous social, economic, and political change, and the presidential election of 1912 was typical of the reform spirit of the period. The election was a catalyst for the future of Democracy in the United States. More than two major political parties were present on the presidential ballot for the first time in history. In fact, there were a total of five candidates: Woodrow Wilson (Democratic), Theodore Roosevelt (Progressive), William Taft (Republican), Eugene Debs (Socialist), and Eugene Chafin (Prohibitionist). The campaign, however, rapidly developed into a two-man race between Wilson and Roosevelt. "Tell us about Taft!" someone in a crowd shouted. "I never discuss dead issues!" Roosevelt shot back. The election of 1912 was quite eventful, unique, and significant in the history of the United States.

The election began with the nominations of the candidates, but some political maneuvering first took...