Theodore Roosevelt: The Rough Rider (1901-1909)

Summary

Theodore Roosevelt, a multifaceted personality, transformed himself from a sickly child into a robust leader. He excelled as a historian, cowboy, police commissioner, war hero, and president. His 'Square Deal' policies and conservation efforts marked his presidency. Roosevelt's drive and charisma made him a legend, with a lasting impact on US history, culminating in his place on Mount Rushmore.

Takeaways

• 😀 Theodore Roosevelt was a multifaceted personality with a diverse range of roles including cowboy, historian, police commissioner, and president.
• 💪 TR was a self-made man who overcame a sickly childhood and asthma through a strenuous lifestyle and determination.
• 📚 Roosevelt had a lifelong interest in zoology, starting with the formation of the 'Roosevelt Museum of Natural History' at age seven.
• 🎓 He graduated cum laude from Harvard College and was known for his inquisitive nature and extensive reading.
• 🏛 Roosevelt entered politics, serving in the New York State Assembly and later as a reformer on the New York City Police Commission.
• 🐎 After personal tragedy, he retreated to the Dakota territories to live as a cowboy, learning western riding and conservation efforts.
• 🎖 He gained national fame as a war hero during the Spanish-American War, particularly for his leadership at the Battle of San Juan Hill.
• 🏆 Roosevelt became the youngest U.S. President in history after the assassination of President McKinley in 1901.
• 🌳 As president, he championed the 'Square Deal' and made conservation a priority, establishing numerous national parks and forests.
• 🚢 He was a key figure in the construction of the Panama Canal, supporting the rebellion that led to Panama's independence from Colombia.
• 🌐 Roosevelt expanded the U.S. Navy and sent the Great White Fleet on a world tour to project American naval power.

Q & A

Who was Theodore Roosevelt and what made him a remarkable personality?

Theodore Roosevelt was a former President of the United States, known for his dynamic personality and diverse roles, including being a cowboy, historian, New York City Police Commissioner, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, war hero, governor, Vice President, Nobel Prize winner, conservationist, explorer, and more. His remarkable nature stems from his self-made success, overcoming a sickly childhood to become a strong and influential figure.

How did Theodore Roosevelt's childhood health issues influence his lifestyle?

Born a sickly, asthmatic child, Roosevelt willed himself to be strong by embracing a strenuous lifestyle. His asthma attacks motivated him to engage in physical exertion, which he discovered minimized his asthma and bolstered his spirits, leading to a heavy regime of exercise.

What sparked Roosevelt's interest in zoology?

Roosevelt's lifelong interest in zoology began at age seven when he saw a dead seal at a local market. He obtained the seal’s head and formed the 'Roosevelt Museum of Natural History', where he learned the rudiments of taxidermy.

How did Roosevelt's experience in the Alps contribute to his physical development?

While hiking with his family in the Alps in 1869, Roosevelt discovered that he could keep up with his father. This experience, along with realizing that physical exertion minimized his asthma, encouraged him to begin a heavy regime of exercise.

What prompted Roosevelt to learn boxing?

After being bullied by two older boys on a camping trip, Roosevelt found a boxing coach to teach him to fight, which was a part of his efforts to strengthen his body.

Why did Roosevelt leave law school at Columbia University?

Roosevelt dropped out of law school at Columbia University after one semester due to boredom, despite having a reputation for asking too many questions and graduating cum laude from Harvard College.

How did Roosevelt's personal tragedy on February 14th, 1884, impact him?

Roosevelt was devastated when his beloved wife, Alice, and his mother died on the same day, February 14th, 1884. He marked this day in his diary with a large X and noted 'The light has gone out of my life.'

What were some of Roosevelt's contributions as a rancher and conservationist?

As a rancher, Roosevelt learned to ride western style, rope, and hunt, earning the respect of authentic cowboys. He also led efforts to organize ranchers to address overgrazing and conservation of large game animals and their habitats.

How did Roosevelt's time as a deputy sheriff influence his later career?

Roosevelt's experience as a deputy sheriff, where he captured outlaws and conveyed them for trial, likely contributed to his later reformative zeal when he reformed the NYPD as the president of the board of New York City Police Commissioners.

What significant reforms did Roosevelt implement in the New York City Police Department?

Roosevelt implemented regular inspections of firearms and annual physical exams, appointed recruits based on qualifications regardless of political affiliation, established Meritorious Service Medals, closed corrupt police hostelries, and installed telephones in station houses.

How did Roosevelt's experience in the Spanish-American War contribute to his national fame?

Roosevelt gained national fame for his courage and leadership as he served with the Rough Riders, an army cavalry unit, achieving victory at the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba.

What was Roosevelt's 'Square Deal' domestic policy, and what did it entail?

Roosevelt's 'Square Deal' was a set of domestic policies that promised fairness to the average citizen, regulation of railroads, and pure food and drugs. It also included a commitment to trust-busting to prevent monopolies and limit corporate power.

Why was Roosevelt an ardent imperialist, and what were his main imperialist projects?

Roosevelt was an ardent imperialist because he believed in the expansion of the United States' influence and territory. His main projects included the permanent acquisition of the Philippines and the construction of the Panama Canal, which he supported through a rebellion against Colombia.

How did Roosevelt's approach to the press differ from his predecessors?

Roosevelt turned the White House into the center of news by providing ample interviews and photo opportunities. He also gave reporters their own room inside the White House, effectively inventing the presidential press briefing and securing substantial coverage.

What was the significance of Roosevelt issuing over 1,000 Executive Orders?

Roosevelt's issuance of 1,081 Executive Orders, more than the first 25 Presidents combined, indicated a trend toward greater reliance on executive orders, which lasted through the Carter administration, reflecting an expansion of presidential power.

Why did Roosevelt found the Progressive 'Bull Moose' Party, and what was the outcome?

Frustrated with Taft's performance, Roosevelt founded the Progressive 'Bull Moose' Party to call for wide-ranging progressive reforms. However, the split among Republicans enabled the Democrats to win both the White House and a majority in Congress in 1912.

How did Roosevelt's personality and actions contribute to his legacy as one of the greatest US presidents?

Roosevelt's energy, ambition, drive, and dynamic personality, along with his wide-ranging achievements and reforms, made him a legend in his own time and consistently rank him as one of the greatest US presidents. His face adorns Mount Rushmore alongside Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln.