Theodore Roosevelt
1858-1919
Biography
Theodore Roosevelt was born October 27, 1858 in New York. Theodore Roosevelt was a man whose passion and ambition won over the American public. After being very ill as a child, he actively pursued a healthy lifestyle. He was known for his avid conservationist efforts and his establishment of national parks. After returning from the Spanish-American war as a hero, he ran for vice president alongside McKinley. After McKinley's assassination in 1901, Roosevelt became the youngest United States president at age 42. He lead the nation into the Progressive Era, promising citizen fairness, breaking of trusts, railroad regulation, and clean food and drugs in his "Square Deal". He began construction on the Panama canal and sent the Great White Fleet (naval fleet) around the world establishing American dominance. After he supported Taft in the election of 1908 and Taft betrayed his fundamentals, Roosevelt ran under his new progressive party, the Bull Moose Party, and lost. Despite the loss, Roosevelt's popularity did split the Republican vote. Roosevelt has been acknowledged by historians as one of the greatest presidents in United States history. He died in his sleep on January 6, 1919.
Roosevelt During the Presidency
Roosevelt as a Colonol
Roosevelt Takes on the Railroads
Report Card
Leadership - A
Theodore Roosevelt had always displayed excellent leadership from his role as colonel in the military to his presidency. As a colonel, he led by example and became a war hero for his victories and leadership. He commented on the Battle on San Juan Hill, "The only way to get them to do it in the way it had to be done was to lead them myself". He continued to be active in keeping his promises while in the White House. He fought trusts and the railroads and promoted pure foods and drugs and citizen fairness in his "Square Deal". He displayed America's dominance by parading the Great White Fleet around and even mediated a treaty to end the Russo-Japanese war. Through his leadership, many bills were passed and enacted.
Organization - B
Roosevelt's organization was good considering the amount of things he was able to get done in office, but his relationship with Congress resulted in conflict. He broke up many trusts including Standard Oil. He pushed congress to pass the Meat Inspection Act of 1906 and the Pure Food and Drug Act. He added the "Roosevelt Corollary" to the Monroe doctrine, which granted the United States national policing power. He also began work on the Panama canal to provide a shorter route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In general, he did get a lot accomplished, but many of his progressive ideas were blocked by Congress.
Professionalism - A
Roosevelt was liked by many, excluding some politicians and journalists. He managed to form strong relationships with the press, and met with them almost every day in order to stay in touch with the public. His popularity is further demonstrated by his formation of the Bull Moose Party, a third party which ended up splitting the Republican vote.
Contributions - A
Roosevelt managed to attack many issues facing the nation. He busted many trusts, even Standard Oil. He continually suggested an inheritance tax on the extremely wealthy. He is most known for the conservation of wildlife. He established 5 National Parks and many U.S. National Monuments. He promoted the preservation of wildlife and pride in our nations forests and wildlife.
The History of Theodore [Teddy] Roosevelt - A Short Story