U.S. dissident political party that nominated former president
Formed by Sen. Robert La Follette in 1911 as the National Republican Progressive League, it opposed the conservatism of the Republican Party controlled by Pres. William H. Taft . The party derived its name from the characteristics of strength and vigour that Roosevelt attributed to himself. In 1912 Roosevelt won 25% of the popular vote; thus split, the Republicans lost the election to the Democratic candidate, Woodrow Wilson . The party gradually dissolved, and the Republicans were reunited in 1916. See also {{link=Progressive Party">Progressive Party .