Theodore Roosevelt Introduction
When President McKinley was assassinated in September of 1901 his Vice President, 42 year old Theodore Roosevelt, was sworn in as the 26th President of the United States of America; the youngest U.S. President in history. He would be elected to a second term in 1904. He was an energetic young president known for his impassioned speeches; he confidently led America creating a strong foreign policy and implementing important reforms that resulted in a stronger safer nation. He was not only one of the most charismatic presidents but is also listed as one of the best U.S. presidents by most historians. The interesting facts listed below serve as a synopsis of this famous man's life and presidency describing who Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt was and why he is considered a great president.Click here for a great selection of Amazon.com books about Theodore Roosevelt.
Theodore Roosevelt Quick Facts
- He was born on October 27th, 1858 in New York City.
- He was the 26th President of the United States.
- His served as U.S. President from 1901 to 1909.
- After Theodore Roosevelt was elected to a second term in 1904 his Vice President was Charles Warren Fairbanks. He had no Vice President during his first term; he completed President McKinley's (assassinated) term without a vice-president.
- Teddy Roosevelt was a member of the Republican Party.
- His wife was Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt.
- He died January 6th of 1919 at his estate, Sagamore Hill, on Long Island New York after having a coronary embolism.
Interesting Theodore Roosevelt Facts
- He was sworn in as president on September 14, 1901 at his future estate (then owned by a friend) named Sagamore Hill which is located in Oyster Bay on Long Island in New York State. This estate is preserved by the National Park Service as the "Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site".
- Roosevelt's most famous quote is "Speak softly and carry a big stick". This quote implies a non-aggressive peaceful approach with the ability to use great force if necessary. This was his general approach to foreign policy during his presidency. One way in which he implemented it was by creating a strong Navy dubbed "The Great White Fleet" and having it tour the world in order to display U.S. naval power.
- Theodore Roosevelt's nicknames included Teddy, Colonel, and the trust buster.
- With the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898 he organized a volunteer cavalry regiment known as the "Rough Riders". He gained fame as their commander at the decisive battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba. In 2001 he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his part at the battle.
- His popularity among the people of the United States resulted in a landslide victory in the 1904 Presidential election against the Democratic Party's candidate Alton B. Parker.
- In 1905 Theodore Roosevelt walked his niece, Eleanor Roosevelt, down the aisle on her wedding day. She married Theodore Roosevelt's 5th cousin, future president, Franklin Roosevelt; who also makes our "Best Presidents List".
- Teddy Bears owe their name to President Teddy Roosevelt. On a hunting trip in 1902 he refused to kill a bear that had been tied up; this later became a topic of a political cartoon and one thing led to another resulting in this popular kid's toy being named after him.
Theodore Roosevelt Accomplishments as President
- He was responsible for the breaking up of large monopolies earning him the nickname the "trust buster". The most famous example being the breaking up of the railroad holding company the Northern Securities Company.
- Teddy Roosevelt made conservation of America's natural resources a major part of his presidency. He created five national parks, numerous bird reservations, and established the National Forest Service.
- He helped negotiate an end the Russo-Japanese War for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906.
- He saw to it that the Panama Canal was completed.
- He passed laws that set safety standards for food and medicine; one of which was the Pure Food and Drug Act signed into law by President Roosevelt on June 30, 1906.