Early Life and Education

Theodore Roosevelt was born on October 27, 1858, in New York City. He graduated from Harvard University in 1880 and briefly attended Columbia University's law school before leaving to pursue a political career.

Moving Up in the Political World

Roosevelt's political journey began in 1882 when he was elected to the New York State Assembly. After a brief retreat to his ranch in North Dakota, he returned to New York in 1886 and ran unsuccessfully for mayor. Despite this loss, his career advanced steadily. In 1889, President Benjamin Harrison appointed him to the U.S. Civil Service Commission, where he served for six years. In 1895, he became president of the New York City Board of Police Commissioners. By 1897, he was named Assistant Secretary of the Navy by President William McKinley.

The Rough Riders

In 1898, following the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt resigned from his naval post to form a cavalry unit called "Roosevelt's Rough Riders." This group of 2,000 diverse and handpicked men trained in San Antonio, Texas, and sailed to Cuba. They fought in several key battles, most famously charging up San Juan Hill on June 20, 1898. Their bravery led to the surrender of Spanish forces and made Roosevelt a national hero.

Poster Illustrating Roosevelt Leading the Rough Riders up San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War

26th President

After the war, Roosevelt was elected governor of New York in 1899. The following year, he became the Republican vice-presidential candidate alongside President William McKinley. When McKinley was assassinated in 1901, Roosevelt became the 26th president of the United States. At age 42, he was the youngest person ever to assume the presidency.

Eventful Terms in Office

During his presidency, Roosevelt oversaw many reforms and international efforts. He supported Panama's independence from Colombia and facilitated U.S. control of land for the future Panama Canal. He battled corporate monopolies, notably dissolving the Northern Securities Company. His mediation in the Russo-Japanese War earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905. Roosevelt also championed the Hepburn Act, the Pure Food and Drug Act, and major conservation efforts. He established the U.S. Forest Service, declared 18 national monuments, and signed into law 5 national parks, 51 wildlife refuges, and 150 national forests. He also helped establish the Bureau of Investigation in 1908.

Honored on Mt. Rushmore

After his presidency, Roosevelt devoted himself to exploring and writing. He passed away on June 4, 1918. In honor of his legacy, Theodore Roosevelt National Park was established in North Dakota, and he was one of four presidents immortalized on Mount Rushmore.

Theodore Roosevelt is the Third President from the Left on Mt. Rushmore

Most Well-Known Quote

"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."

Discussion Questions

1. How did Theodore Roosevelt’s early education prepare him for a life in politics?
2. What qualities made Roosevelt an effective leader during the Spanish-American War?
3. Why was Roosevelt considered a progressive president?
4. How is Roosevelt’s legacy preserved today?

Glossary

• Monopoly – Exclusive control over a commodity or service, limiting competition.
• Antitrust – Laws designed to promote fair competition and prevent monopolies.
• Nobel Peace Prize – An international award given for efforts in promoting peace.
• Conservation – The protection and preservation of natural resources.
• Garrison – A military post or its troops.

Five Interesting Facts

• Roosevelt was the youngest U.S. president in history at age 42.
• He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905—the first American to do so.
• He led the famous Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War.
• Roosevelt helped create the modern conservation movement.
• His face is carved into Mount Rushmore alongside Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln.

Timeline of Theodore Roosevelt’s Life

• 1858 – Born in New York City.
• 1880 – Graduated from Harvard University.
• 1882 – Elected to the New York State Assembly.
• 1886 – Ran for mayor of New York City (unsuccessfully).
• 1889 – Appointed to U.S. Civil Service Commission.
• 1895 – President of NYC Board of Police Commissioners.
• 1897 – Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
• 1898 – Led the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War.
• 1899 – Elected governor of New York.
• 1900 – Became vice presidential nominee.
• 1901 – Became president after McKinley’s assassination.
• 1905 – Won Nobel Peace Prize for mediating Russo-Japanese War.
• 1906 – Signed Antiquities Act and conservation laws.
• 1908 – Created the Bureau of Investigation.
• 1918 – Died on June 4 in New York.