How did Woodrow Wilson end up winning the election of 1912 when he was clearly the underdog?

Answer 1

As a result of the Pinchot-Ballenger controversy the Republican party began to split into two factions. In addition, at the 1912 republican nominating convention Teddy Roosevelt expected to win the Republican nomination but was shunned when the Republican delegates chose instead William Howard Taft to run for a second term. TR was furious and decided to form his own party--the Progressive Party (commonly known as the Bull Moose Party). With the Republican Party split it made for an easy victory for the relatively unknown Woodrow Wilson to squirt through with a victory.

And there you have it from a real historian.

Answer 2

It is true if one looks at United States presidential elections from 1896 to 1932 the Republican Party was stronger, and elected more presidents; more often had control of Congress.

The basic answer to your question is simple. In 1908 the GOP establishment elected William Howard Taft president. At that time after serving most of Republican William McKinley's second term ( he was assassinated I believe in 1901), and being elected on his own in 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt supported Taft to follow him. Since Taft was not a strong leader as TR had been, it not entirely clear why Roosevelt made him his successor.

Anyway, in 1912 TR missed the limelight, and challenged Taft for the GOP nomination. The establishment supported the President, and Taft won the nomination over Roosevelt. TR, then bolted the Republican Party, and ran as a Progressive, Bull Moose. Therefore, Woodrow Wilson was able to win election with the Republican Party divided.

Answer 3

Clearly Wilson received help from the fact that Taft and Roosevelt had divided Republican loyalties after TR stormed out of the Republican convention because he believed he should have been nominated after winning some key primaries, however Taft had the party machine backing him so Taft got the nomination and TR became the standard bearer of the Bull Moose Party of Progressive Republicans and with Wilson having the loyalty of a Democratic party his victory was assured. Wilson received only 43% of the vote but it was enugh as TR received 27%and Taft 23% and Debs, a Socialist got 6%.

Answer 4

The opposing parties had to split so there was a split in votes for the republicans. Roosevelt started his own party, The Bull Moose. (because he still wanted to run)

Answer 5

Teddy Roosevelt was with a minor party and they don't have much support.