Name:___________________________________ Teddy Roosevelt: Rough Rider to Rushmore Discussion Questions 1. Teddy had tremendous respect and admiration for his father. How was his choice to become involved in politics tied to his relationship with his father? 2. Teddy's childhood was marred with illness. How did the problems Teddy faced with asthma affect his future? 3. When Teddy graduated from Harvard he returned to New York to pursue a career in government. Why was it uncommon for people of his social class to go into such a field? 4. Theodore Roosevelt ran on the Republican ticket for most of his political career, yet he was termed a progressive. What issues did he support that would give him that label? 5. After the death of his beloved wife and mother on the same day in the same house, Teddy went West to try his hand at ranching. What did he acquire in the West that started him on the path to the White House? 6. Teddy led the Rough Riders to victory on San Juan Hill. How did this victory launch his ascendancy to the presidency? 7. Why did the Republican in New York want to nominate Teddy for the Vice President? How did their plan backfire? 8. Teddy believed in the vision of a Great America. Many people have credited him pushing the United States into the 20th century. What accomplishments did Teddy achieve in the White House to change the face of the country? 9. As a boy, Teddy was always fascinated by nature. How did this passion with the outdoors affect his policies as president? 10. What was the "big stick policy"? How did the president carry this out? .