Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt was an American statesman, author, explorer, soldier, naturalist, and reformer who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909. He is often referred to as the "Conservationist President" for his commitment to preserving the nation's natural resources. Roosevelt was a leader of the Progressive Movement, and he championed his "Square Deal" domestic policies, which focused on regulation of corporations and protecting consumer rights. He also greatly expanded the powers of the presidency and of the federal government in support of the public interest.

Early Life

Theodore Roosevelt was born on October 27, 1858, in New York City. He was the second of four children born to Theodore Roosevelt Sr. and Martha Bulloch Roosevelt. His father was a prominent businessman and philanthropist, and his mother was a southern belle. Roosevelt was a sickly child, suffering from asthma and other ailments. He was tutored at home and was an avid reader, developing a lifelong love of books and learning.

Roosevelt attended Harvard University, where he studied biology and developed an interest in natural history. He graduated in 1880 and went on to attend Columbia Law School. He left after a year, however, to pursue a career in politics.

Political Career

In 1881, Roosevelt was elected to the New York State Assembly, where he quickly became a leader of the reform faction of the Republican Party. He was re-elected in 1882 and 1883, and in 1884 he was nominated for the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected and served three terms in Congress.

In 1889, Roosevelt was appointed to the U.S. Civil Service Commission, where he worked to reform the civil service system. He also served as the president of the New York City Police Commission from 1895 to 1897. In 1897, President William McKinley appointed Roosevelt as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

In 1898, Roosevelt resigned from the Navy to lead the Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry regiment, in the Spanish-American War. His leadership in the war made him a national hero, and in 1900 he was elected governor of New York. In 1901, he was elected vice president, and in September of that year, he became president after the assassination of President McKinley.

Presidency

As president, Roosevelt pursued a wide range of progressive reforms. He worked to regulate big business and protect consumer rights, and he established the Department of Commerce and Labor. He also worked to protect the nation's natural resources, creating the U.S. Forest Service and establishing five national parks.

Roosevelt also sought to expand the powers of the presidency. He used his executive authority to issue more than 1,000 executive orders, which had the force of law. He also used his influence to mediate disputes between labor and management, and he was a strong advocate for the rights of African Americans.

In 1904, Roosevelt was re-elected in a landslide victory. He continued to pursue progressive reforms, and in 1906 he signed the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act, which regulated the food and drug industries. He also worked to end the Russo-Japanese War, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906.

Conclusion

Theodore Roosevelt was a visionary leader who used his executive authority to pursue progressive reforms and protect the nation's natural resources. He was a champion of the public interest and a strong advocate for the rights of all Americans. His legacy lives on in the many reforms he championed during his presidency.