Shots Fired!
It Takes More Than a Bullet to Stop This President's Speech
October 14, 1912
While on a campaign stop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Theodore Roosevelt was shot in the chest by John Schrank, a local saloonkeeper. Headed straight for his chest, the bullet was impeded by the Presidential candidate's glasses case and handwritten speech.
Theodore's Triumph
Despite his gunshot wound, Roosevelt proceeded to deliver the scheduled speech, remarking, "It takes more than one bullet to kill a Bull Moose." Roosevelt was working toward his third term as president under the Bull Moose party, after "sitting out" for William Taft's term. Roosevelt's persistence and determination shone through in this moment, as well as throughout his time as leader.
Before the Bullet
Roosevelt was born in New York City on October 27th, 1858. Before becoming our 26th president, "Teddy" Roosevelt was governor of New York. Originally William McKinley's vice president, he was inaugurated after McKinley's assassination in 1901, and was reelected in 1904 for his second term. His philosophy was rife with anti-monopoly policies and ideas of ecological conservation, both things he fought for while president.
A Rough Rider
During the Spanish-American War, while in his early 20s and serving in New York's government, Theodore took a special interest in the conflict. Leaving his political post, Roosevelt organized his own volunteer cavalry, known as the Rough Riders. This experience made him a war hero and also instilled in him his passion for the wild.
1 1/2 Terms
In March of 1901, William McKinley was shot. After his death, his vice president, the progressive Theodore Roosevelt, became our 26th president. This was much to the chagrin of big business leaders, who had paid to put their common enemy, Roosevelt, in the harmless (or so they thought) position of Vice President. Roosevelt successfully and popularly finished out his predecessor's term from 1901 to 1904.