the progressive era (or "fourth party system") was dominated by republican presidents, with the sole exception of democrat woodrow wilson (1913–1921). mckinley promised that high tariffs would end the severe hardship caused by the panic of 1893 and that the gop would guarantee a sort of pluralism in which all groups would benefit. he denounced william jennings bryan, the democratic nominee, as a dangerous radical whose plans for "free silver" at 16–1 (or bimetallism) would bankrupt the economy.