THE STRENUOUS LIFE

THEODORE ROOSEVELT(1858-1919)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Born of Dutch decent At 18 began studied at Harvard for 4 years Study in Germany for a year after his

Harvard studies were complete. (This is where his political interest began.)

Considered to be a Historian, Biographer, Statesman, Hunter, Naturalist, and Orator

Wrote 26 books and numerous articles.

POSITION IN SOCIETY Upon return from Germany elected to New York

Assembly for 3 years. 1889 Appointed to Civil Service Commission by

President Harrison 1895 Became director of the New York Police

Department. 1897 Appointed as assistant secretary of Navy and

went to Cuba as lieutenant of the Rough Riders 1898 Served 2 year term as Governor of New York

then elected as McKinley’s running mate. 1901 Became President due to the assassination of

McKinley. 1904 Elected to full term as President

Main Points

Those who desire ease don’t deserve a nation. “A life of slothful ease, a life of that

peace which springs merely from lack either of desire or of power to strive after great things, is as little worthy of a nation as of an individual.

Main Points

Leisure time is to be enjoyed but spent wisely. During wisely used leisure time works

such as science, letters, art, historical research are produced.

Main Points We must be concerned about what

takes place not only within our borders but outside. “We cannot avoid the responsibilities

that confront us in Hawaii, Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines. All we can decide is whether we shall meet them in a way that will redound to the national credit, or whether we shall make of our dealings with these new problems a dark and shameful page in our history.”

Main Points

We must be concerned about what takes place not only within our borders but outside. “We must build the isthmian canal, and

we must grasp the points of vantage which will enable us to have our say in deciding the destiny of the oceans of the East and West.”

Main Points

Army needs complete reorganization through legislation.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

American’s constantly are dealing with outside entities both in political and economical standings.