Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt Jnr. was also known as “JR” and to the public as “Teddy”.
“Roosevelt was a great personality, a great activist, a greater preacher of moralities, a great controversialist, a great showman. He dominated his era as he dominated conversations … the masses loved him; he proved to be a great popular idol and a great vote getter” – Historian Thomas Bailey
The following brief points about Teddy Roosevelt are relevant (and some are not so relevant but interesting nonetheless) to our discussion of the Great White Fleet:
1. The “Teddy Bear” was reputably named after him.
2. In 1901 he came President after the assassination of President William McKinley
3. He was a professional historian, naturalist and explorer
4. He negotiated for the US to take control of the Panama Canal construction in 1904
5. He was the first President to leave the US whilst in office when he visited the Panama Canal in 1906
6. The first American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for negotiating the peace in the Russo-Japanese War
7. Whilst at Columbia Law School in 1882 he researched and wrote his first major book “The Naval War of 1812” which many still consider as a comprehensive history on the matter
8. Roosevelt had always been fascinated by navies and their history
9. President McKinley appointed a delighted Roosevelt to the post of Assistant Secretary of the Navy in 1897
10. Roosevelt was instrumental in preparing the US Navy for the Spanish American War
11. He resigned from the Navy Department and helped organize the first US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment – the newspapers of the time called them the “Rough Riders”. Out of all the Rough Riders reputedly Roosevelt was the only one who had a horse but he was forced to dismount and walk up Kettle Hill after his horse named “Little Texas” became tired
12. After the war he was elected as Governor of New York in 1898
13. At the time he succeeded as President he was the youngest person to assume the Presidency
14. He dramatically increased the size of the US Navy
15. He was the first US President to be submerged in a submarine
16. He died in January 6 1919
17. The US Navy named two ships after him the USS Theodore Roosevelt a submarine in commission from 1961 to 1982 and the USS Theodore Roosevelt an aircraft carrier.
Below is a picture of Roosevelt as Assistant Secreatary of the Navy outside the Naval War College circa 1897 he is front and centre
Due to my previous profession I just cannot resist having a disclaimer clause LOL.
Please note that the above was intended merely as a basic overview of this individual and not as a historical definition or political opinion/comment in any form implied or expressed.
The information has been limited to the sole perspective of The Great White Fleet and naval matters rather than an extensive life and times definition of this significant individual.
The information or views implied or expressed herein are strictly those of the author and not necessarily of the forum moderator/s or the forum staff or its owner/s.
Of course I welcome further discussion, additional input/information and opinion from everyone which may follow on below about this truly unique historical figure provided it is within the forum rules as defined by its owner.
The next instalment will cover the composition of “The Great White Fleet”.
Regards
Sean
Great White Fleet Installment 1
Great White Fleet Installment 2
Great White Fleet Installment 3
Great White Fleet Installment 4
Great White Fleet Installment 5
