I propose to my group that we spend the semester studying the 26th President Theodore Roosevelt. He was a unique character who not only excelled in the politcal arena but in many fields also. In addition to famously serving in city, state and national levels, he was renown for being a naturalist, soldier, explorer and author. He is also considered one of the most-well-read president by many historians. Also, he well known for robust personality and “cowboy” attitude.
Born with asthma, Theodore was home-schooled but took to exercise in order to strengthen his body. He took up boxing when he want to Harvard and would continue to for most of his life. When the Spanish-American War broke out, he became a key leader in the Department of the Navy. He resigned to fight in Cuba in the regiment known as the “Rough Riders”. He would later be awarded a Medal of Honor for his service.
When he was office, his primary goal to was to combat corruption from the police of New York City to the big business trusts of the US. He offered what he called the “Square Deal” which he assured every American would have a fair chance and opportunity. In foreign affairs, ” speak softly and carry a big stick” was his famous phrase. This allowed him to be aggresive against the European nations in their affairs in Latin America. But Roosevelt was also a peacemaker; he won a Nobel Prize (being the first American to do so) for mediating the peace talks between the Russians and the Japanese in the Russo-Japanese War. Theodore was also a proponent of the conservatinalist movement and helped save many natural parks from destruction.
Theodore Roosevelt was everything at his time. He fought the Cubans abroad and corruption at home. He hunted game in exotic lands and explored the wilderess of America. His mind was as strong as his body. Such an interesting man would be an excellent subject for a study of Legendary Americans.