Theodore Teddy roosevelt

Theodore Teddy rooseveltPresident on the presidency

Meet the man

A brief history{Press Play}

How did Teddy view the presidency?Teddy did not necessarily hold a negative view of the presidencyFrequently Teddy explained the presidency as a vessel for the people of the USA and thus required the president to serve in a manner that most effectively supported the nation and its peopleAside from politics, a strong moral compass was an absolute must for a president, as described by Teddy

Teddys own words-Theodore Roosevelt, Lincoln and Free Speech Essay, 1918The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the nation as a whole.I don't think any President ever enjoyed himself more than I did. Moreover, I don't think any ex-President ever enjoyed himself more.-Theodore Roosevelt, University of Cambridge, May 26, 1910

Teddy & the presidents

Teddy mainly interacted with 3 presidentsVice President to William McKinleyUpon McKinleys death, Roosevelt assumes the presidency (1901-1908)Roosevelt handpicked William Howard Taft to be his successor and began grooming Taft during his own presidential term. Taft would go on to become president in 1909After taking a respite from politics Roosevelt returned in 1912 to run against Woodrow Wilson and Taft. In Teddys opinion Taft had been an utter failure as president and had lost sight of the progressive policy they had previously planned.

Roosevelt and Taft

Theodore Roosevelt pondering a crystal ball with Woodrow Wilson's face

Roosevelt & TaftRoosevelt chose Taft to be his successor and appointed him Secretary of War to begin grooming himRoosevelt offered Taft a seat on the Supreme Court numerous times but Taft always turned him downWhen Taft became President in 1909 he began pursuing his own policy which conflicted with the progressive ideals he and Roosevelt had discussedEventually Roosevelt and Tafts relationship would dissolve and become hostileAs a result of Tafts failure to comply, Roosevelt decided to run in the 1912 election.Taft and Roosevelt both running, split the Republican base and allowed Woodrow Wilson to winPrior to Roosevelts death in 1919 the two friends were able to settle their differences

At the peak of Roosevelt and Tafts hostilities the two were corresponding with one through letters. Taft was convinced to give these letters to a reporter with the understanding that they were not to be released. Years later when another round of discussion began regarding releasing the letters Taft wrote to the journalist, asking for the letters not to be released. Roosevelt went as far as to give a lengthy interview detailing his disappointments with Tafts work.

Roosevelt & WilsonRoosevelt and Wilson fundamentally carried different values but the real divide between the men was the way in which Wilson handled World War IRoosevelt was particularly angered by Wilsons handling of the sinking of the Lusitania

In this letter to a friend, Roosevelt elaborates on his frustration with Wilsons lack of military response

works cited

Needham, Henry Beach. "Why Roosevelt Opposes Taft." The Saturday Evening Post [Philadelphia, PA] 04 May 1912: n. pag. Print.Roosevelt, Theodore, II. "Oyster Bay." Letter to Oscar King Davis. 23 June 1915. MS. Long Island, NY, n.p.Taft, William Howard. "Supreme Court of the United States." Letter to Mr. Lorimer. 10 Oct. 1922. MS. Washington, DC, n.p.Thomasson, Gordon C. "Theodore Roosevelts 1918 Wartime Essay: Lincoln And Free Speech." The New Rose and Crown. N.p., 02 Jan. 2012. Web. 24 June 2015.