Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States. He is commonly thought of as the most successful president in modern history. During his two terms in office, Roosevelt did a tremendous amount to improve the lives of all Americans. His expansive vision of a Square Deal for all citizens was the foundation of his presidency and helped to usher in a new era of progressive reform.
Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City on October 27th, 1858, to a wealthy and prominent family. His father, Theodore Sr., was of Dutch descent and was in the US Navy. His mother, Martha Bulloch, was a beautiful Southern belle who adored her eldest child. As a child, Roosevelt was sickly and was treated with extreme care by his parents, though he did excel in his studies.
In 1876, Roosevelt entered Harvard University where he became deeply interested in politics and government. During this period, he witnessed the Gilded Age of US capitalism, with its massive industrial growth, economic disparity and the growing power of huge monopolies. He also grew to be infatuated with the Western wilderness and took his first trip out to the Dakotas at age 21.
In 1880 Theodore Roosevelt graduated from Harvard and was accepted to Columbia Law School. However, he quickly abandoned his law career and instead moved to North Dakota where he bought a ranch near Medora. For the next several years he indulged his passion for ranching and the Western outdoors. It was during this time that he truly embraced a strenuous life, adopting a grueling daily fitness regime and regularly participating in dangerous activities such as boxing and horseback riding.
Despite his move away from politics, Roosevelt’s ascent back into public life began soon thereafter. He was elected to the US State Assembly on the Republican ticket and then served as the Police Commissioner of New York City in 1895. The next year, he was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President William McKinley.
In 1898, Roosevelt resigned his post to organize the Rough Riders, an all-volunteer cavalry regiment that fought in the Spanish-American War. For his bravery during this campaign, Roosevelt became famous and courted the affections of the American public. The succeeding years saw him rise quickly in the Republican ranks, culminating with him becoming the Vice-President under McKinley in 1901.
Tragically, in September of 1901 President McKinley was assassinated and Roosevelt became the youngest American president in history at the age of 42. He threw himself into his new role, initiating wide-reaching reforms for all aspects of American life. On social issues, he helped ensure safe working conditions, banned child labor, and pushed for better sanitation, nutrition, and education for all citizens.
In terms of foreign policy, Roosevelt won a Nobel Peace Prize for his successful mediation in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05. Furthermore, he was instrumental in the big stick diplomacy of the Panama Canal and US involvement in Latin America.
By the mid-1910s, Roosevelt had finished his two terms in office and retired to Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, NY, where he continued to write and advocate for progressive causes. He died of a heart attack on January 6th, 1919, leaving a powerful legacy behind.
Theodore Roosevelts lasting impact continues to be felt today. He forever changed the role of the President in both domestic and international affairs. He also championed many reforms that are still in place today, such as regulated working conditions in industry and support for conservation efforts in the environment. It is little wonder why he is remembered as one of the most effective and beloved presidents of the 20th Century.
