Revised Syllabus – His Life and Times Parry Norling [email protected] Course materials are posted at http://parrynorling.magix.net/website

We will review Theodore Roosevelt’s life and times using PowerPoint presentations, DVDs, and discussions on his impact and why he was “the first modern president”

Classes 1-4 February 9, 16, 23 and March 2

Selected members of the class will show excerpts from the film by Ken Burns “The Roosevelts ; An Intimate History” and lead discussions and ask questions helping to make these four classes a very useful introduction to the lectures/presentations by Parry Norling on his return from winter vacation.

Class 5 March 9 Introduction 1858‐1884

Why study and talk about the life and times of TR; Resources we will use; major events 1858‐1884; Portion of the American Experience (DVD): Overview of TR's life and personality; TR's early childhood struggle with asthma and his efforts to overcome illness and physical weakness; his strong relationship with his father; his father's influence on his life TR's love of natural history; the development of his active pursuit of the "strenuous life"; the conclusion of his childhood and adolescence; college years at Harvard; courtship of Alice Lee and their marriage. Development of TR’s political career as an assemblyman in New York. The birth of his first child , daughter Alice; the deaths of both his wife and mother Some additions to the story by Edmund Morris; Discussion: How was TR’s character shaped by his early years‐ his parents, his siblings, his travels.

Class 6 March 16 TR 1884‐1899

Father’s advice: Take care of your morals first, your health next and finally your studies; marriage to Alice Hathaway Lee 8/27/1880; a fateful day 2/14/1884; Major events 1884‐1899; American Experience DVD:TR's adventures in the Badlands of North Dakota seeking relief from his grief; TR's return from North Dakota; his courtship and life with second wife Edith Carow Return to politics and appointment as Assistant Secretary of the Navy; leadership of the famous regiment during the Spanish‐American War. Elected Governor of New York Discussion: Speech; Life in the Badlands

Class 7 March 23TR 1899‐1905

Major events 1899‐1905; The American Experience DVD: TR's growing image as a political "star" Elected Governor of New York; angers the Republican party bosses; nominated for Vice President under McKinley to remove him from the New York political scene. Introduction to TR's "accidental" presidency after McKinley's assassination in 1901 TR's domestic policies; the industrialization of America; J. P. Morgan; TR's trust‐busting activities; his intervention in the coal miners' strike; the birth of the ; TR's savvy use of the media; creation of the ; TR's expansion of the powers of the presidency. TR's domestic policies; the industrialization of America; J. P. Morgan; TR's trust‐busting activities; his intervention in the coal miners' strike; the birth of the Square Deal; TR's savvy use of the media; creation of the Teddy bear; TR's expansion of the power of the presidency TR's foreign policy: growth of the navy to support expansionist policies; "Speak softly and carry a big stick" philosophy; the ; the development of the "imperial presidency" Discussion: Some additions to the DVD; John Singer Sargent’s painting.

March 30 Spring Break

Class 8 April 6 TR 1904‐1912

Review of major events 1904‐1912; The American Lion DVD: Conservation initiatives; Clinton’s comments; 1904 election; blunder about not seeking a third term; comments by Karl Rove 1905 peace agreement yields thee Nobel Prize; launching of the “White Fleet” 1906: The Brownsville incident‐ a great failure in TR’s presidency; inauguration of Taft. The African safari; the formation of the Bull Moose Party and the election of 1912 Discussion: Nature of the Presidency and TR’s presidency

Class 9 April 13 TR 1905‐1907

The American Experience: Life in the White House; the glamour of TR's presidential style; the renovation of the White House; the Roosevelt children TR wins by an unprecedented landslide; TR blunders by telling a reporter he won't run for a third term, weakening his presidential power. TR's joy in his family and in the presidency; his struggle to hold on to the "child within" TR as a reformer president; efforts in industry, commerce, and conservation; struggles with Congress over the power of the presidency; expansion of executive power; rise of the ""; creation of national parks and other federally protected lands Continued national fascination with the ; portrait of youngest child, Quentin, his parents' favorite TR's involvement in Asia; secret deal to turn Korea over to Japan; TR negotiates to end the Russo‐Japanese War; wins the Nobel Prize for Peace TR's manipulation of the media to enhance his image and increase his popularity; extensive press coverage of his daughter Alice's wedding Discussion: TR and the Progressive Movement.

Class 10 April 20 TR 1909‐1913

A review of major events 1909‐1913; The American Experience: TR once again seeks solace in the wilderness, on a safari to Africa; triumphant tour of Europe; returns to the U.S.TR decides to try and regain the presidency; friendship with Taft deteriorates; TR fails to receive the 1912 Republican nomination; leads the new Progressive Party; loses to Woodrow Wilson Discussion: Why TR is called the first modern president

Class 11 April 27 TR and the River of Doubt 1913‐14

TR’s trip to the Amazon as told in Candice Millard’s The River of Doubt Candice Millard talks about the book and her efforts at writing it.

Class 12 May 4 TR 1913‐1919

A review of major events 1913‐1919; The History Channel: Teddy Roosevelt‐ An American Lion TR retreats again to the wilderness on a hazardous exploration of the River of Doubt in Brazil, which nearly kills him; river is later named "Theodoro“(then Rio Roosevelt) in his honor; TR disagrees with Wilson's policy of isolationism, advocates "preparedness"; TR volunteers (but is not permitted) to fight in World War I; works vigorously despite poor health to support the war effort; tragedy strikes once again when Quentin is killed in the war. Deeply affected by Quentin's death, TR dies at age 60 in 1919 Discussion: his legacy today

Class 13 May 11 TR 1858‐1919

A&E Biography: From Rough Rider to Rushmore A final quiz