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| Theodore Roosevelt |
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take whatever action necessary for the public good unless expressly forbidden by law or the
Constitution." I did not usurp power," he wrote, "but I did greatly broaden the use of
executive power."
Roosevelt's youth differed sharply from that of the log cabin Presidents. He was born in New
York City in 1858 into a wealthy family, but he too struggled--against ill health--and in his
triumph became an advocate of the strenuous life.
In 1884 his first wife, Alice Lee Roosevelt, and his mother died on the same day. Roosevelt
spent much of the next two years on his ranch in the Badlands of Dakota Territory. There he
mastered his sorrow as he lived in the saddle, driving cattle, hunting big game--he even
captured an outlaw. On a visit to London, he married Edith Carow in December 1886.
During the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt was lieutenant colonel of the Rough Rider
Regiment, which he led on a charge at the battle of San Juan. He was one of the most
conspicuous heroes of the war.
Boss Tom Platt, needing a hero to draw attention away from scandals in New York State,
accepted Roosevelt as the Republican candidate for Governor in 1898. Roosevelt won and
served with distinction.
As President, Roosevelt held the ideal that the Government should be the great arbiter of the
conflicting economic forces in the Nation, especially between capital and labor, guaranteeing
justice to each and dispensing favors to none.
Roosevelt emerged spectacularly as a "trust buster" by forcing the dissolution of a great
railroad combination in the Northwest. Other antitrust suits under the Sherman Act followed.
Roosevelt steered the United States more actively into world politics. He liked to quote a
favorite proverb, "Speak softly and carry a big stick. . . . "
Aware of the strategic need for a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific, Roosevelt
ensured the construction of the Panama Canal. His corollary to the Monroe Doctrine prevented
the establishment of foreign bases in the Caribbean and arrogated the sole right of
intervention in Latin America to the United States.
He won the Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the Russo-Japanese War, reached a Gentleman's
Agreement on immigration with Japan, and sent the Great White Fleet on a goodwill tour of
the world.
Some of Theodore Roosevelt's most effective achievements were in conservation. He added
enormously to the national forests in the West, reserved lands for public use, and fostered
great irrigation projects.
He crusaded endlessly on matters big and small, exciting audiences with his high-pitched
voice, jutting jaw, and pounding fist. "The life of strenuous endeavor" was a must for those
around him, as he romped with his five younger children and led ambassadors on hikes
through Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C.
Leaving the Presidency in 1909, Roosevelt went on an African safari, then jumped back into
politics. In 1912 he ran for President on a Progressive ticket. To reporters he once remarked
that he felt as fit as a bull moose, the name of his new party.
While campaigning in Milwaukee, he was shot in the chest by a fanatic. Roosevelt soon
recovered, but his words at that time would have been applicable at the time of his death in
1919: "No man has had a happier life than I have led; a happier life in every way."
Constitution." I did not usurp power," he wrote, "but I did greatly broaden the use of
executive power."
Roosevelt's youth differed sharply from that of the log cabin Presidents. He was born in New
York City in 1858 into a wealthy family, but he too struggled--against ill health--and in his
triumph became an advocate of the strenuous life.
In 1884 his first wife, Alice Lee Roosevelt, and his mother died on the same day. Roosevelt
spent much of the next two years on his ranch in the Badlands of Dakota Territory. There he
mastered his sorrow as he lived in the saddle, driving cattle, hunting big game--he even
captured an outlaw. On a visit to London, he married Edith Carow in December 1886.
During the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt was lieutenant colonel of the Rough Rider
Regiment, which he led on a charge at the battle of San Juan. He was one of the most
conspicuous heroes of the war.
Boss Tom Platt, needing a hero to draw attention away from scandals in New York State,
accepted Roosevelt as the Republican candidate for Governor in 1898. Roosevelt won and
served with distinction.
As President, Roosevelt held the ideal that the Government should be the great arbiter of the
conflicting economic forces in the Nation, especially between capital and labor, guaranteeing
justice to each and dispensing favors to none.
Roosevelt emerged spectacularly as a "trust buster" by forcing the dissolution of a great
railroad combination in the Northwest. Other antitrust suits under the Sherman Act followed.
Roosevelt steered the United States more actively into world politics. He liked to quote a
favorite proverb, "Speak softly and carry a big stick. . . . "
Aware of the strategic need for a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific, Roosevelt
ensured the construction of the Panama Canal. His corollary to the Monroe Doctrine prevented
the establishment of foreign bases in the Caribbean and arrogated the sole right of
intervention in Latin America to the United States.
He won the Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the Russo-Japanese War, reached a Gentleman's
Agreement on immigration with Japan, and sent the Great White Fleet on a goodwill tour of
the world.
Some of Theodore Roosevelt's most effective achievements were in conservation. He added
enormously to the national forests in the West, reserved lands for public use, and fostered
great irrigation projects.
He crusaded endlessly on matters big and small, exciting audiences with his high-pitched
voice, jutting jaw, and pounding fist. "The life of strenuous endeavor" was a must for those
around him, as he romped with his five younger children and led ambassadors on hikes
through Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C.
Leaving the Presidency in 1909, Roosevelt went on an African safari, then jumped back into
politics. In 1912 he ran for President on a Progressive ticket. To reporters he once remarked
that he felt as fit as a bull moose, the name of his new party.
While campaigning in Milwaukee, he was shot in the chest by a fanatic. Roosevelt soon
recovered, but his words at that time would have been applicable at the time of his death in
1919: "No man has had a happier life than I have led; a happier life in every way."
Born on October 27th, 1858,
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was
the 26th President of the United
States.
With the assassination of President
McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, not
quite 43, became the youngest
President in the Nation's history. He
brought new excitement and power
to the Presidency, as he vigorously
led Congress and the American
public toward progressive reforms
and a strong foreign policy.
He took the view that the President
as a "steward of the people" should
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was
the 26th President of the United
States.
With the assassination of President
McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, not
quite 43, became the youngest
President in the Nation's history. He
brought new excitement and power
to the Presidency, as he vigorously
led Congress and the American
public toward progressive reforms
and a strong foreign policy.
He took the view that the President
as a "steward of the people" should
