WK9, Day 3 - Teddy Roosevelt's Early Life

Wednesday - March 12, 2025

When, where, and how was Teddy Roosevelt (TR) born?

1858, in NYC w/ wealthy family

How was TR’s condition as a child? How did it develop during his teenage years?

sick child → active teenage lifestyle (boxer, tennis player)

In his teenage years, it was apparent TR loved what? Provide one example of him loving ( ) during his Presidency.

competition / he added safety rules to college football

In 1880, where did TR go for college?

Harvard

In the Early 1880s, where was Roosevelt and what position did he get himself in to gain more attention?

TR served on NY State’s Legislature & discovered how powerful good speeches could be

What happened to Roosevelt on February 14, 1884?

His wife died giving birth & his mom died from sickness

In 1884/1885 after losing his wife and mother, what did Roosevelt do?

He ran off to the Dakotas & learned how to be a cowboy

When Roosevelt returned from the Dakotas in the Late 1880s, what position did he run for?

Mayor of NYC

In 1895, which position did Roosevelt fill while being mayor of NYC? What were living conditions like in NYC back then?

He was Police Commissioner of NYC (slums, no standards)

In 1897, Roosevelt decided to join the military. Which branch did he fight in?

The US Navy

In 1898, what did Roosevelt do that gave him national name recognition and fame like George Dewey before him?

He fought in Cuba w/ his Rough Riders, won a string of victories, & had his press record everything in the papers

To shut him up (take his microphone as Gov. of NY), what position did Repub. leaders give TR?

He became VP under George McKinley, but he overshadowed him anyway

In 1901, which event caused TR to become President of the United States?

McKinley’s assassination

Before TR’s Presidency, when did the national Coal Strike begin?

March 12, 1900

What were coal strikers striking for?

They wanted a 20% increase in wages & 8 hour workday

How did TR help strikers fight against their bosses?

He brought striker’s lawyers to the White House

What did TR have happen between bosses and strikers?

an arbitration

What was the final compromise in the W.H. arbitration and when did it happen?

October 23, 1900 - workers get 10% raise & 9 hr workday

From 1901-1909, what did TR do each time Congress passed a new Progressive act?

TR would take credit to appear more progressive

Which two acts did Congress pass in 1903 & 1906 that helped farmers & railroad rates?

The Elkins Act & Hepburn Act

Which two acts did Congress create in 1906 that still exist today to protect consumers?

The Meat Inspection Act (pause) & Pure Food/Drugs Act

Building the Panama Canal would save traders how many miles of travel?

8000 miles

In 1903, who was Panama controlled by?

Colombia

How did TR deal w/ Panama?

He signed a treaty allowing the Panama Canal to start being built without Congress’ permission

How much did Colombia charge TR to pay for building the Panama Canal?

$10 million w/ a $250,000 lease per year

When was the Panama Canal finally complete?

August 11, 1914

What did TR learn after Panama’s Canal was completed?

He needed to do things on his own & PROMOTE!

In 1905-1906, how does TR’s personality completely change?

he becomes a peacemaker

To end war between Japan & Russia, what did TR do?

He invited Japan & Russia’s leaders to New Hampshire to sign a peace treaty

Which award did TR win for getting Japan & Russia to sign a peace treaty?

The Nobel Peace Prize

When did TR die & why was this period of time significant?

1919 - it was at the end of WW1