. >> he is probably the most important political figure in and one ofistory, the most important in the history of the 20th century in the united states. he was a reforming governor. he defined what progressivism is. he was one of the first to use the term. he was a united states senator who was recognized by his peers in the 1950's as one of the five greatest senators in american history. he was an opponent of world war i. he stood his ground, advocating for free speech. above all, he was about the people. after the civil war, america changed radically from a nation of small farmers and producers and manufacturers, and by the late 1870's, 1880's, 1890's, we had concentrations of wealth. we had growing inequality. we had concern about the influence of money in government. ofspent the later part 1890's giving speeches all over wisconsin. if you wanted us be your for your club or group, he would give a speech. he went to county fairs. he went to every kind of event you can imagine. he built a reputation for himself. by 1900, he was ready to run for governor, advocating on behalf of the pe