Roosevelt was born in New York in 1858. He died in 1919. As president, he expanded the powers of the presidency and the federal government. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for his role in helping end the Russo-Japanese War. He secured the route of the Panama Canal and presided over the beginning of its construction.
The Rough Riders
The Rough Riders were a volunteer regiment of the U.S Cavalry. They won acclaim for their fighting in the Spanish-American War, in which Cuba fought for its independence from Spain. The United States had economic interests in Cuba, which led some to call for intervention in Cuba’s struggle with Spain. Roosevelt helped recruit volunteers, including cowboys, miners, athletes, and others. The Rough Riders became known for their colorful, sometimes unorthodox, style. They received more publicity than any other unit during the war. They are most remembered for their charge up San Juan Hill, in the Battle of Santiago in Cuba. Their victory in this battle helped solidify the image of Roosevelt as a war hero.
The Bully Pulpit
Roosevelt described the presidency as a “bully pulpit,” a place from which he could exhort Americans to act and to follow his lead. He urged the country to take a role in international affairs, and at home he worked to control abuses by big business. He wrote, “I believe in a strong executive; I believe in power. . . . I have used every ounce of power there was in the office.”
Conservationism and the National Park System
A passionate outdoorsman and hunter, Roosevelt loved nature. His presidency was characterized by a dramatic increase in land conservation. Under pressure from Roosevelt, Congress established the Forest Service for the purpose of managing government-owned land in 1905. In doing so, Congress made sure that certain land would be protected and available for public enjoyment rather than used for private commercial enterprises. The federal government designated approximately 194 million acres as public land under Roosevelt, about 5 times more than any other president before him.
Progressivism and the Bull Moose Party
Roosevelt served as president during the Progressive Era. He had championed progressive causes, such as political reform, business regulation, consumer protections, and conservation throughout his political career, and continued to do so during his presidency. As a progressive Republican, Roosevelt came into conflict with conservative members of his party, and his relationship with them only grew worse in the last years of his presidency. Although his term ended in 1909, Roosevelt continued to be involved in politics. He endorsed William Howard Taft for the Republican nomination in the 1908 election but later rescinded his support when it became clear that Taft was not going to implement a progressive agenda. Roosevelt went so far as to run against Taft for the Republican nomination in 1912. When his campaign for the Republican nomination failed, Roosevelt formed the Progressive Party. The party was nicknamed the “Bull Moose Party” in reference to a statement Roosevelt made about being “as strong as a bull moose.” Both Roosevelt and Taft ultimately lost to Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson.