Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States and served from 1901 to 1909 as a Republican. He was a ‘larger than life’ figure with a vibrant personality and progressive policies that left a significant impact on the nation. Today, he is remembered for his amazing contributions as a politician, soldier, naturalist, and social reformer. Historically, he was important during the period of the Gilded Age in the United States, which was a time of industrialization. He was also important in the Progressive Era and was noted as a significant reformer in politics. This article explores Roosevelt’s early life, his rise in politics, his presidency, and his enduring legacy today.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT – EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Theodore Roosevelt was born on October 27th, 1858, in New York City to Theodore Roosevelt Sr. and Martha Bulloch Roosevelt. Unfortunately, he struggled with severe asthma as a child, which often left him bedridden. Despite his health challenges, he was a curious and intelligent child and developed a passion for reading and nature. As well, his father encouraged him to build his physical strength, leading Roosevelt to embrace a rigorous regime of exercise and outdoor activities.
Roosevelt’s earliest education began with homeschooling, followed by his enrollment at Harvard University in 1876. At Harvard, he excelled in his studies, particularly in natural history, and was involved in various extracurricular activities including rowing and boxing. After graduating in 1880, Roosevelt entered Columbia Law School but soon found himself drawn to politics.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT – EARLY POLITICAL CAREER
Roosevelt’s political career began when he was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1881 at the age of 23. As an assemblyman, he gained a reputation as a reformer and a crusader against corruption. In fact, his dedication to transparency and good governance set the tone for his future political endeavors. For instance, his fight against corruption helped him in his re-election in 1882.
In 1884, Roosevelt faced a profound personal tragedy when both his mother and his first wife, Alice Hathaway Lee Roosevelt, died on the same day. Devastated, he retreated to life as a rancher in North Dakota, and for the next several years, he spent his time between his home in New York and his ranch in Dakota. This period was an important time in his life and seemed to solidify his love for the American wilderness.
On December 2nd, 1886, Roosevelt remarried. His second marriage was to his childhood friend, Edith Kermit Carow. Together, they went on to have five children and also raised Roosevelt’s daughter, Alice, from his first marriage. Unfortunately, a severe winter in 1886 and 1887 caused him to lose much of his cattle herd and was a significant financial loss. As a result, he left North Dakota and returned to New York.
Returning to New York, Roosevelt resumed his political career. For instance, he was appointed to the United States Civil Service Commission in 1889, where he championed merit-based appointments and fought against the patronage system. His efforts laid the groundwork for modernizing the federal workforce and enhancing its efficiency. This furthered his image as an anti-corruption crusader.
In 1895, Roosevelt became the President of the New York City Board of Police Commissioners. In this role, he continued his fight against corruption, implementing reforms to professionalize the police force and improve public safety. His hands-on approach and commitment to justice earned him respect and recognition, which was important to his future political successes.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT – NATIONAL PROMINENCE
During the late 1890s, Roosevelt began his rise to political prominence on a national level. In fact, he began to establish his influence in the Republican Party with his speeches and political views. For instance, in 1897, President William McKinley appointed Roosevelt as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Roosevelt’s tenure was marked by his advocacy for a strong navy and preparedness for conflict. Furthermore, his strategic foresight was important in the Spanish-American War, where he played a crucial role in mobilizing the navy.
When the Spanish-American War broke out in 1898, Roosevelt resigned from his post in Washington to form the First Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, famously known as the Rough Riders. His leadership during the charge up Kettle Hill on July 1st, 1898 was significant in his rise to national prominence. In fact, his actions during the battle gave him national recognition and made him a war hero. He also commented later in life, that this time was among his favorites.
Following his military role, Roosevelt was elected Governor of New York in 1898. As governor, he pursued progressive reforms, including efforts to regulate corporations, improve labor conditions, and conserve natural resources. His reformist policies brought him into conflict with party bosses but endeared him to the public. In fact, people celebrated his outgoing and commanding personality.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT – PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
In 1900, Roosevelt was nominated as the Vice President on the Republican ticket with President McKinley. After McKinley’s assassination in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt, at 42, became the youngest President in American history.
Roosevelt’s presidency was characterized by his commitment to progressive reforms. In fact, an important part of his Presidency was his domestic policy, which was referred to as the ‘Square Deal’. Introduced in the early 20th century, the Square Deal aimed to address the social and economic issues of the time, ensuring that every American had a fair chance at success. For example, he sought to ensure fairness and protect the public from the abuses of big business. The main achievements of the time included the regulation of railroads, the enforcement of antitrust laws, and the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act.
Another accomplishment of the Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt was his focus on protecting significant aspects of American nature. As stated above, he was a passionate conservationist. As a result, Roosevelt significantly expanded the national parks system, establishing five national parks, 18 national monuments, and 150 national forests. His efforts laid the foundation for the modern conservation movement and preserved vast tracts of wilderness for future generations. Some historians consider this to be his greatest achievement as President of the United States.
In terms of foreign policy, Roosevelt had the United States adopt a stance based on the famous saying, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” It reflected Roosevelt’s belief in negotiating peacefully while simultaneously displaying strong military power to achieve America’s international objectives. For instance, to showcase America’s growing naval power and to project strength on the global stage, Roosevelt sent a group of 16 battleships on a world tour from 1907 to 1909. The fleet visited numerous countries, demonstrating the United States’ capability and readiness to defend its interests.
Internationally, he played a pivotal role in negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War of 1905, for which he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906. Additionally, his support for the construction of the Panama Canal led to an important shortcut for ships, which aided global trade.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT – DEATH AND LEGACY
After leaving office in 1909, Roosevelt continued to be active in politics. For instance, he was upset with his successor, William Howard Taft. This caused Roosevelt to run for President again in 1912 under the Progressive Party, also known as the Bull Moose Party. Although he lost the election, his campaign further highlighted his commitment to progressive ideals.
In his later years, Roosevelt remained an influential figure, writing extensively and continuing to advocate for social and political reforms. However, in late 1918, Roosevelt’s health took a significant downturn. For example, at the time, he suffered from inflammatory rheumatism and struggled with respiratory issues. He died on January 6th, 1919, from a heart attack that he suffered in his sleep. He left behind a legacy of dynamic leadership and enduring contributions to American society.
