Theodore Roosevelt, often referred to as "Teddy," was the 26th President of the United States, serving from 1901 to 1909. Born on October 27, 1858, in New York City, he emerged as a transformative figure in American politics, known for his progressive reforms, robust foreign policy, and dedication to conservation. His life was marked by personal resilience, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to public service, making him one of the most iconic leaders in American history.
Theodore Roosevelt was born into a wealthy family in Manhattan, the second of four children to Theodore Roosevelt Sr., a businessman and philanthropist, and Martha Stewart Bulloch, a southern belle from Georgia. As a child, he suffered from severe asthma, which often confined him indoors. Despite this, his father encouraged physical activity to build strength, fostering in him a lifelong passion for the outdoors and physical fitness. Largely homeschooled due to his health, Theodore Roosevelt developed a keen interest in natural history, history, and languages, excelling in geography, biology, French, and German, though he struggled with mathematics and classical languages.
In 1876, he enrolled at Harvard College, where he studied a range of subjects and became active in athletics, particularly boxing and rowing. His father’s sudden death in 1878 deeply affected him, but it also left him with a substantial inheritance, allowing financial independence. During his time at Harvard, Theodore Roosevelt wrote an undergraduate thesis titled "The Practicability of Equalizing Men and Women before the Law," advocating for women’s rights to control property and earnings, showcasing his early progressive ideals.
After graduating from Harvard in 1880, Theodore Roosevelt briefly attended Columbia Law School but abandoned his legal studies to pursue a career in public service. He married Alice Hathaway Lee in 1880, with whom he had one daughter, Alice Roosevelt Longworth. Tragically, Alice died in 1884, just two days after giving birth, on the same day his mother passed away. Devastated, Theodore Roosevelt retreated to the Badlands of North Dakota, where he worked as a rancher and embraced the rugged lifestyle, further shaping his image as a man of action.
He returned to New York in 1886 and married Edith Kermit Carow, a childhood friend, with whom he had five children: Theodore Roosevelt Jr., Kermit Roosevelt, Ethel Roosevelt Derby, Archibald Roosevelt, and Quentin Roosevelt. His family life at Sagamore Hill, his estate in Oyster Bay, New York, remained a central part of his identity, even as his political career flourished.
Theodore Roosevelt entered politics as a member of the Republican Party, serving in the New York State Assembly from 1882 to 1884, where he championed reforms against corruption. He later served as a member of the United States Civil Service Commission (1889–1895) and as president of the New York City Police Board (1895–1897), where he fought to modernize the police force and curb corruption.
His national prominence grew when he was appointed Assistant Secretary of the United States Navy in 1897 under President William McKinley. During the Spanish-American War of 1898, Theodore Roosevelt resigned to lead the Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry regiment, earning fame for his bravery in the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba. This military success propelled him to the governorship of New York (1899–1900), where he continued to push progressive policies, including labor reforms and anti-corruption measures.
Theodore Roosevelt became Vice President under William McKinley in 1901, but his tenure in that role was short-lived. Following McKinley’s assassination in September 1901, Theodore Roosevelt ascended to the presidency at age 42, becoming the youngest person to hold the office at that time. His presidency was defined by bold initiatives in domestic and foreign policy.
Domestically, Theodore Roosevelt was a champion of the Progressive Movement, advocating for the "Square Deal," a policy aimed at fairness for workers, consumers, and businesses. He took on powerful corporate monopolies through "trust-busting," enforcing the Sherman Antitrust Act to break up entities like the Northern Securities Company. He also supported labor rights, intervening in the Coal Strike of 1902 to mediate a fair resolution. His commitment to consumer protection led to landmark legislation like the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act of 1906.
As a naturalist, Theodore Roosevelt prioritized conservation, establishing the United States Forest Service and creating numerous National Parks, National Monuments, and wildlife refuges. His efforts preserved over 230 million acres of public land, including landmarks like the Grand Canyon.
In foreign policy, Theodore Roosevelt expanded American influence, famously stating, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." He played a key role in the construction of the Panama Canal, securing rights to the canal zone through diplomatic maneuvers with Panama and Colombia. He also mediated the end of the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906, the first American to receive this honor. Additionally, he sent the Great White Fleet on a world tour to showcase American naval power.