User:Unschool/TR

Theodore D. Roosevelt, also called "T.R.", was the youngest person to serve as President of the United States, but what he is most remembered for is his personality: his energy, his vast range of interests and achievements, his model of masculinity, and his "cowboy" image. A leader of the Republican Party and founder of the short-lived Bull Moose Party, before becoming the 26th President (1901-1909) he held offices at the municipal, state, and federal level of government. But Roosevelt was not a mere politician; his achievements as a naturalist, explorer, hunter, author, and soldier are as much a part of his fame as any political office he held.

Born to a wealthy family, Roosevelt was a sickly child who stayed at home studying natural history. His response to his physical weakness was to embrace a strenuous life. He attended Harvard, where he boxed and developed a great interest in naval affairs. A year out of Harvard, in 1881 he ran for a seat in the state legislature. His first historical book, The Naval War of 1812, was published in 1882, and established his reputation as a serious historian. After a few year of living in the Badlands, TR returned to New York City, where he gained fame for fighting police corruption. He was running the US Department of the Navy when the Spanish American War broke out; he resigned and led a small regiment in Cuba known as the Rough Riders, earning the Medal of Honor. After the war, he returned to New York and was elected Governor; two years later he would be nominated for and was elected Vice President of the United States.

In 1901, President William McKinley was assassinated, and Roosevelt became president at 42. Roosevelt attempted to move the Republican Party in the direction of Progressivism, including trust busting and increased regulation of businesses. Roosevelt coined the phrase "Square Deal" to describe his domestic agenda, emphasizing that the average citizen would get a fair shake under his policies. On the world stage, Roosevelt policies were characterized by his comment, "Speak softly and carry a big stick". Roosevelt was the force behind the successful completion of the Panama Canal, he sent out the Great White Fleet to display American power, and he negotiated an end to the Russo-Japanese War, for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Roosevelt chose to not run for re-election in 1908. After leaving office, he embarked on a safari to Africa, which was an early example of a media event, and a trip to Europe. But on his return to the US, a rift developed between TR and his anointed successor, William Howard Taft. Roosevelt attempted in 1912 to wrest the Republican nomination from Taft, and when he failed, he launched the Bull Moose Party. In the election, Roosevelt became the only third party candidate to come in second place, beating Taft but losing to Woodrow Wilson. After the election, Roosevelt embarked on a major expedition to South America; the river on which he traveled now bears his name. But the trip damaged his health, and he died only a few years later, at the age of 60. He has been amongst the most honored of American presidents, including having his face carved into Mount Rushmore.