Theodore Roosevelt, often referred to as TR, was an American statesman, explorer, soldier, and naturalist; the 26th President of the United States. He is recorded in history as being a talented author, reformer, and one of the greatest leaders to ever serve as U.S. President. His face is memorialized on Mount Rushmore alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln.
Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt was born in Manhattan, New York to an affluent family. He endured significant challenges as a child, including suffering from debilitating asthma. Roosevelt was home-schooled for many years and then attended Harvard University.
Roosevelt entered politics as the leader of the reform faction of Republicans in New York’s state legislature. After acting as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy during the war in Cuba, he was elected governor of New York in 1898. In 1900, he became the Vice-president of the United States, serving under President William McKinley. When McKinley was assassinated in 1901, Roosevelt became the youngest US President in history, at the age of 42.
While President, Roosevelt championed several national causes including the “Square Deal” which promised the everyday citizen fairness of trusts, regulation of railroads, and pure food and drugs. He helped to advance foreign policy through his focus on Central America, where he initiated construction of the Panama Canal. In 1906, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in ending the Russo-Japanese War.
Roosevelt’s career in politics thrived, despite the personal and professional challenges he encountered throughout his life. He was able to overcome his health problems by pursuing a strenuous and active lifestyle to help keep him motivated. As a result of his vast imagination, boisterous personality, and wide range of interests, he developed a “cowboy” persona that exhibited strength and masculinity instead of weakness.