A Brief History
On April 23, 1910, former President Theodore Roosevelt (TR) gave one of his most famous speeches at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. In what is known as the “Man In the Arena” speech, but actually titled “Citizenship in a Republic,” TR contrasted the bold man of action to the “timid souls that neither know victory or defeat.” A man of action himself, and the youngest president, Teddy Roosevelt had numerous times been in the arena. Here are 10 reasons why Theodore Roosevelt is one of the greatest of Americans.
Digging Deeper
Roosevelt understood better than most politicians the importance of sea power as a projection of a nation’s power and prestige. Sending the fleet around the world advised all nations, friendly and enemy alike that the United States was a major actor on the international scene and was assuming its rightful place among the world powers. His advice to “Speak softly and carry a big stick” was evidenced by this operation.
9. Russo-Japanese War.
Teddy showed off his diplomatic skills and earned respect and prestige for the US by mediating a treaty ending the Russo-Japanese War. Once again, this diplomacy demonstrated the importance of the place of the US among world powers.
8. African Safari.
After his presidency, TR embarked on a year long trip all over Africa, gathering scientific information and blasting away at all manner of African game. Although the blasting part was not particularly environmentally friendly, the macho image of an ex-president braving the wilds of Africa bolstered his popularity and that of the US around the world. His expedition provided numerous samples for the Smithsonian Institution. Roosevelt also led a scientific expedition into the wilds of the Amazon in 1913-14. A noted conservationist, TR eagerly established national parks and forests.
7. Booker T. Washington.
Roosevelt invited African-American activist Washington to the White House soon after assuming the presidency, an unusual action for those times. No other president had invited a prominent AFrican American to the White House before. (Unfortunately, Roosevelt suffered negative political repercussions for this action.) TR appointed several African-Americans to federal posts and advocated treating all people based on their merits rather than their race or religion.
6. Roosevelt’s Sons.
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Often it is said that a man can be measured by his children, and all 4 of TR’s sons fought in World War I, Quentin dying in aerial combat. The 3 surviving sons all fought in World War II, with Theodore III winning the Medal of Honor, being the only general and the oldest man to land on the beaches on D-Day at Normandy. (He died of a heart attack a month later.) Theodore III also founded the American Legion. Kermit had volunteered to fight for Britain prior to US involvement in the war in both the First and Second World Wars.
5. “Teddy the Trust Buster.”
Realizing that huge monopolies were getting to the point where they were enslaving the country, Roosevelt embarked on a crusade to break up those monopolies and encourage competition, revitalizing capitalism in the US.
4. “Man in the Arena” Speech.
Discussed previously, this speech sums up Roosevelt’s manly man philosophy (which of course applies to women equally) giving credit to those who dared and lost and scorning those who sit meekly on the sideline. Richard Nixon invoked this speech in his resignation speech in 1974 and in his victory speech after the 1968 presidential election. Nelson Mandela has evoked Roosevelt’s words as have numerous sports personalities in order to inspire their teams
Having become president himself due to President McKinley being assassinated, while giving a campaign speech during the 1912 presidential campaign Roosevelt was shot in the chest by a would be assassin. Incredibly, he continued his speech for another 90 minutes. Before the speech was delivered he told the crowd that he had been shot and that “it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose.“ The assassins bullet had passed through Teddy’s eyeglasses holder and a folded copy of his speech, then entered his chest about 3 inches deep. TR carried that bullet in his chest the rest of his life. (Wow!)
2. Square Deal.
Not exactly a “common man” himself, TR was acutely aware of the needs of the regular guy and made a serious effort to look out for the welfare of the average American. Teddy supported unions and working people, a bold move in those days.
1. San Juan Hill.
Despite being a man of means and holding the position of Assistant Secretary of the Navy, TR voluntarily resigned in order to form a regiment of cavalry to fight in the Spanish-American War. Leading the regiment, known as “The Rough Riders” in an attack up Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill against entrenched troops armed with Mauser 98 rifles, Roosevelt led from the front and on foot to overcome barbed wire and withering enemy fire to take the positions. Colonel Roosevelt’s unit lost 200 dead and 1000 wounded in the action, an incredible display of personal and unit courage under fire.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Gould, Lewis L. Theodore Roosevelt. Oxford University Press, 2012.
The featured image in this article, a photograph of Col Theodore Roosevelt standing triumphant on San Juan Hill, Cuba after his “Rough Riders” captured this hill and its sister Kettle Hill during the Spanish American War, is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author’s life plus 70 years or less. This media file is in the public domain in the United States. This applies to U.S. works where the copyright has expired, often because its first publication occurred prior to January 1, 1924, and if not then due to lack of notice or renewal. See this page for further explanation.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="1847 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=1847">124 Comments
I was not aware of all the things he did. so i found this article very interesting.
I really didnt know much about Teddy Roosevelt so this was pretty intriguing.
Its great to know how much Teddy Roosevelt wanted to protect our country along with learning other interesting facts about him that I didn’t know before.
As a biology major, it is interesting to see that he established many national parks and forests.
I find it interesting that he was able to survive with a bullet in his chest.
I find it cool that he lived with a bullet in his chest. I didn’t know most of this about TR.
I think it’s cool that his four sons followed in their fathers footsteps in courageous acts, such as fighting in WWI and WWII.
It’s so interesting that TR carried a bullet in his chest, after the attempted assassination, for the rest of his life. Especially interesting, seeing as infection never seemed to be an issue. I wonder what precautions were applied, if any, to prevent such occurrences.
I found it interesting that all four of Teddy Roosevelt’s sons fought in World War I.
Wow, America could use another president like TR. The way he made America a force to be reckoned with is inspiring, but it gave the proceeding presidents huge shoes to fill and they never have been able to again. It’s fine to have an Imperialist policy, but you need a strong leader for it to work.
I think he was a very strong person and a great leader. I was surprised about keeping the bullet in his chest didn’t kill him.
I found it very interesting that Roosevelt carried a bullet in his chest, for the rest of his life and that all of his 4 sons fought in WWI.
This is the value of learning history. I’m surprised that Roosevelt’s 4 songs took its place in WWI. That’s how you call any person legend who achieve something that he/she doesn’t expect to be the best.
I never knew that Theodore was almost assassinated. If he had not been carrying his glasses holder and speech, and if the bullet hadn’t hit that spot, we may not know what Theodore would have done with his presidency. Many things could be different if that had been different.
I didn’t know Theodore Roosevelt was almost assassinated. Why didn’t they try to get the bullet out?
I had no idea that TR was almost assassinated. He was an incredible man and achieved a lot during his lifetime.
I think the assassination fact is incredible. If someone now like him got shot, theres no way they would have been able to finish the speech. They would have freaked out about it and started panicking. He was a man!
I did not know of his attempted assassination. These facts were great to red about. He was a great man.
It’s absolutely insane he kept going with his speech for 90 minutes after he got shot.
I did not know that it was one of President Roosevelt son’s founded the American Legion.
I never knew Theodore Roosevelt was almost assassinated. That would have been interesting to learn back in middle/high school. Majority of people would not have been able to continue their speech and stay calm.
Teddy was by far the most interesting and outdoorsy president.
in my opinion he was the best president we have had. he made strides for america that can not be undone
He should have way more than 10 but these 10 things are reasons why people think he is one of the best presidents of all time
I thought that the most interesting fact from this article was Roosevelt’s visionary expansion of the navy and his sending them on a world tour to display American power.
it is great to find out new things. i did not know that Teddy carried a bullet in his chest for the rest of his life. good article
I was shocked with the news about Theodore Roosevelt being shot during his speech. I also cannot believe that he not only finished his speech for 90 minutes but he also carried the bullet in his chest for the rest of his life!
It is very interesting that The President of the United States carried a bullet in his chest for the rest of his life. This would never happen in today’s society.
It’s good to know the good the presidents do. Now a days all we hear about is the bad that happens in presidency and nothing ever good.
I never knew Roosevelt was almost assassinated and that he carried the bullet in his chest his hole life
Teddy was so full of life! I have so much respect for him, and always have. He accepted women and believed they had the right to vote when many people disagreed.
I never knew that he was shot, it’s a good thing he lived though!
I have a lot of respect for Teddy Roosevelt. I think he is a great man, and I liked learning about different things he has done.
what an interesting man, not many people, let alone presidents, can say they went on an African hunting trip. cool guy.
Teddy was such a respected man, I think every president should be respected.
I truly respect the fact that it seemed as if the difference of skin color had no relevance to Teddy’s opinion although MANY other people during that time were extremely hateful towards African American equality. His friendship with Booker T. Washington during that time would have caused an uprising, yet Teddy invited him over regardless. His way of emphasizing and fighting for equality in all aspects is definitely never going to be forgotten. -ACL
#3 and other things is why Teddy Roosevelt truly is Americas most bad ass president and one of the best presidents in U.S. history in my opinion.
Teddy Roosevelt is one of my favorite presidents. I couldn’t help but laughing when I was reading about Assassination Attempt.
Roosevelt seemed like a pretty cool guy, very down to earth.
Teddy was a man of many sides but overall he was a great politician.
Very weird that he wouldn’t try to get the bullet out, instead he just left it in him.
Even with President Roosevelt trampled on the constitution with his interpretation of the executive branch, he did do some good in the social and military realm
I am impressed with his efforts to advocate for others. His actions were stronger than words.
I have always heard about his views and etc. Thought it was very interesting learning more in detail. He was a great politician.
I’m glad to see that I have actually heard about majority of these things.
President Roosevelt definitely had an eventful life. I like how he was a take charge person and he judged people by their merits, not their skin color.
Roosevelt is a tough and inspirational man to look up to. I think it is neat that he brought things back from his African Safari and they are in the Smithsonian now.
Again, I find it incredible and inspiring to see a man who could have rested on his laurels with his family’s money, but instead chose to work diligently to improve his country. Amazing!
It would be nice to have a candidate for this years election like President Roosevelt. He fought and protected this country and really cared about America. He seemed like a dependable person and like a hard worker.
Roosevelt genuinely cared about the well-being of America and is an easy man to admire. He made things happen instead of just talking about what he wanted to do. He also was not racist and granted federal positions to people based on their qualifications.
I love that Roosevelt invited African-American activist Washington to the White House soon after he was elected president. Obviously, racism was still a lingering problem then as it is today. Obviously, back then it was more rare to do something like this than it is today. I give him credit for standing behind rights of all Americans.
The man had such a legendary family, his sons were noble and loyal to this nation
I find it humbling that all of his sons were in the military. Roosevelt was such an influence to them, and I am sure that is one of the reasons they entered into the military.
Roosevelt must have been a very present father to instill such values in his children. They were are very courageous like their father. He had to have been very proud. I wish we had more in politics like Roosevelt.
Like I said in a previous article about Roosevelt, he is such an inspirational part of American history. His accomplishments are impressive and I wish we had a loyal, humble and powerful leader like he was today.
Roosevelt seems like an overall kind and caring person. His actions were usually always humble unless he had a strong reason to have them not be so humble. I like how so many people in the country could actually trust him as a president and he did everything that he could to improve the country, as well as the people of our country.
I love they way that Roosevelt felt about peoples of different races. By inviting Booker T Washington to the White House, and placing African Americans in places of high esteem was an example to others of how we should be treating everyone.
One thing that struck out to me was President Roosevelt’s african safari. This really strikes me because I can not picture any modern United States president doing this. To me, it shows humility and curiosity from Roosevelt. Not to mention, it makes sense that he did this being that he was the youngest president.
This was another great article about Roosevelt. This article shows how much he cared for America, and that he was willing to go to war for his country. I also enjoyed the fact that he didn’t really judge people based on race, which is an amazing thing to do during this time period.
Since I read these good article about president Roosevelt, I would understand about the true reasons why the United State is so powerful in the world. Every country may need a good president just like him.
I was most surprised to learn about the attempted assassination on Roosevelt. I cannot believe that he continued to give a speech for 90 minutes after he had been shot.
Roosevelt is clearly a man of honor and I was surprised to hear about him being shot in the chest. I can’t believe he kept on with his speech. I wonder how he could be shot without people knowing it.
I didn’t know this about Teddy Roosevelt and I think it’s crazy to know who was shot and kept going with a speech for that long.
It’s really interesting how TR went to Africa, I never knew anything about that or that he ever studied things.
It is great to read about all the great things that Teddy Roosevelt did.
Again! another awesome article showing that Roosevelt did so much while he was in office!
Teddy was a great president and one of my favorites.
Teddy R. opened doors for our future presidents for sure. He is one of the most popular and well achieved presidents.
Teddy Roosevelt was the original Chuck Norris.
11. He was pretty awesome in Night at the Museum
Monopolies were a huge deal in the U.S. It allows for a proper and fair economy to operate. Glad he broke them up!
The manpower in the family was cool to read about. I didn’t know that he had several sons, and it was interesting to see that they were each soldiers fighting for our country and earning honors.
it is good for Roosevelt to think about sea, good article
I can not get over how he could take a bullet and still not show any weakness until he was finished with his speech.
Teddy Roosevelt really was larger than life. He seems to have lived the most full life and was impervious to things that would take another man down. It would be nice to see someone this invested in our country as president, but times are different now. They broke the mold with Teddy Roosevelt!
I love the examples of showing how Roosevelt made powerful advances and didn’t put up with someone trying to push our country around.
Something I didn’t know was about that speech when he had an assassination attempt on his life. He was shot and still presented his speech and told the public after that he was shot during his speech.That is a tough guy and we need tough people like hat in office.
TR is one of those “larger than life” people that almost seem fictitious. I think we would be hard pressed to find a politician that would resign their post to go fight in a war.
I personally love the idea of “The Great Whit Fleet” I think this really stood for what he believed America should be in the stance of world power.
Are we sure is guy was human? What a life he lived. As I’m reading TR, I feel like I’m reading a movie script.
Teddy Rosevelt had so many accomplishments for one lifetime. If you go to San Antonio you can still stay at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, TX were Teddy Rosevelt stayed when recruiting the Rough Riders in 1898.
Teddy Roosevelt, was a great man and a true leader. The most notable thing listed in this passage was the bullet that he took to the chest. This man actually spoke for 90 minutes after being shot in the chest. Also, the fact that all of his sons served in the war is respectable.
Some of the details in this article seem too good to be true. As others have stated some of the details seem like they could be out of a movie.
I find it noble that he was so ethical in all his actions and doings. He also truly cared for the country and in the world in such a way that he seemed to want to continuously live his life in search of adventure that could be beneficial to the country and to the world. He was a good man with ideas farther advanced than the age he was born in to.
I find it highly respectable that Roosevelt invited Booker T. Washington to the White House when this was seen as taboo at the time due to Washington’s race. Innovators like Roosevelt are the people that we can thank for racial equality today.
I thought I was a history buff, however, learning that TR continued a speech for another hour and a half after being shot and then saying something really set a precedent that it takes much more than a bullet to take him down.
TR really set the tone for the period. The progressive era was a critical point in our history and his support of unions paved the way for safe work spaces and fair pay.
What really amazes me in these ten facts is the fact that TR was shot in the chest and still gave a 90 minute long speech. This really sets an example for the people around him. It is a true act of bravery that would encourage anyone to do anything. The president got shot and instead of going to the hospital, he continues to give the speech that the people wanted to hear. That is amazing.
TR like I said before is the best President this country has ever had and I wish we had more presidents like him. He truly was great president that loved this country and what it stood for.
Roosevelt was just an amazing person that showed great power and strength. The fact that he was shot but still continued to give a speech is just amazing.
T. Roosevelt was truly just an amazing President and learning that he was shot in his chest but still managed to give his speech, just speaks value on what type of person he truly was. Then to raise such young brave men and they all end up fighting in the war showed his strength. He was a true leader and just powerful.
Teddy Roosevelt seemed to always be doing the unexpected. Inviting African Americans into the White House. Supporting the union and the American workers even when it was not popular to do so. Conducting a speech for 90 minutes after being shot in the chest. These examples are just a small example of the amazing things TR accomplished.
Teddy did everything from mediating a treaty ending the Russo-Japanese War to forming a regiment of cavalry to fight in the Spanish-American War to taking a long trip to Africa for a year. He was a remarkable man that America loved.
I love that Teddy took into account a persons skills and didn’t worry about the color of a mans skin. If they had the skill and knowledge for a position it was given to them.
We need another TR!
I love how Teddy Roosevelt handled himself, conducted business and his mental state of mind. We are in great need of a president that could fill his shoes!
Teddy Roosevelt is one of our greatest American presidents and was a profound man. Oftentimes, he is so overlooked when it comes to other presidents like Washington, Lincoln and Kennedy. If you were to really look at his presidency you would recognize the true scope of all his accomplishments. He seemingly got more accomplished then what happens with administrations nowadays.
First of all, I love that famous photo of Teddy riding a Moose. Who rides a moose, come on, the guy was amazing. The thing that is the most impressive about TR is that he did it all. As tough and rugged as he was, he was also diplomatic as shown in the Russo-Japanese War treaty. The other thing that really stands out to me, besides his toughness, is his open-mindedness. He did not care about race or religion, he cared about merit. That was not a social norm during those times.
I cannot seem to read enough about this man! All the goods things he did for this country are beyond amazing. His children were just as amazing! I still cannot get over the continued speech with a bullet in his chest.
Teddy Roosevelt is one o my favorite presidents to read about as he accomplished so much. Nevertheless, he is often missed due to presidents like Kyle stated Washington, Lincoln, and Kennedy. He was a president of equality in his eyes he didn’t care about the color of your skin, your religion, he cared about what was going on in the world and did his best to approach it in a fashionably manner.
TR was an amazing president and by far one of the best. In such a short amount of time he accomplished a lot. Furthermore, he remained honest and respectful of all. TR always had the best intentions and his saying “walk softly and carry a big stick” could not be anymore true and represents him perfectly. Only if we could have more politicians like him, looking out for the best interest of our country and not their pockets.
He seems like a great President and human.
He is someone that I have always head great things about, however never really heard many of the specific stories. This was very interesting and I can see why he was loved by many!
Aside from Lincoln, Roosevelt has always been my favorite president and historical person.
I like how Teddy Roosevelt was using his diplomatic skills end the Russo-Japanese war. He was also getting reputation and respect by American people about what he did in the past.
Teddy Roosevelt was brave enough to put himself in Spanish-American War. His leading skill was smart and finally getting wining about the fight in the end.
I think my favorite part of this whole thing is the fact that a would-be assassin tried to kill him, but utterly failed because of the speech and eyeglasses container in his pocket. I think that is actually really cool. Definitely an interesting story to tell everyone.
I like that Roosevelt welcomed African-American dissident Washington to the White House not long after he was chosen the president. Clearly, prejudice was as yet awaiting issue then as it is today. Clearly, in those days it was more uncommon to accomplish something like this than it is today. I give him bonus for remaining behind privileges of all Americans.
A bullet to the chest, and it does not even phase him. What a guy.
Teddy Roosevelt became one of my favorite presidents ever since I watched “Night at the Museum.” However, based on the article, I find these new facts very interesting. For example, I never knew that Teddy went on an African trip. I also never knew that he lived with a bullet in his chest. Wow!
I never knew that Teddy Roosevelt lived with a bullet in his chest. That is crazy and an interesting story to tell everyone
I think it’s crazy that Teddy Roosevelt continued to talk for another 90 minutes after getting shot in the chest and having for never having the bullet removed and living with it in him for the rest of his life. I also give him props for inviting Booker T. Washington to the White House and for employing sever African Americans to federal positions.
I am super interested in his year trip around Africa! I would love to do something like that!
It is absolutely crazy that Roosevelt continued to give his speech for another hour and a half after getting shot directly in the chest. I knew that Roosevelt continued the speech but I had forgotten that he lived with the bullet the rest of his life.
I never knew that Roosevelt took a year long expedition in Africa and led an exploration trip! After reading this, I really feel as though Roosevelt was definitely a president for his people. I love that he saw everyone as equal no matter there race or religion. I think our current president could learn a thing or two from Roosevelts presidency.
Theodore Roosevelt’s appeal to present the U.S. as a powerful force established our on the world stage. I have loved the “Night of the Museum” movies and this article confirmed TR’s contribution to conservation and his horseback portrayal.
Teddy Roosevelt was a man amongst boys! Gets shot, say screw it and still delivers a speech, as well as go on a safari hunt. Wont see anything like that from leaders these days!!
Some very interesting points. Makes you wonder what TR was afraid of
Theadore Roosevelt is my favorite! I definitely agree with the whole sending our naval brigade around the world. “speak softly and carry a big stick”
It is insane that Theodore Roosevelt was shot in the chest and still continued to deliver his speech!
One of my favorite things about Teddy Roosevelt through my life was knowing how he was able to finish a speech despite being shot. It shows his resilience and toughness.
I think it is very interesting he went to Africa in search of scientific advancements. This really interests me because I am a science major and I hope to study abroad to Tanzania in Africa before I graduate.
The most interesting fact in this article to me is that TR was shot and continued his speech as if nothing had happened.
Its amazing that TR, with beliefs against many people, was still able to do so much. He definitely had a goal in mind and went through with it no matter the opposition.