Miscellaneous
There are few people with the credentials of Theodore Roosevelt, even fewer Presidents. Entering the Presidency following the death of President McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt would go on to create the national parks, forge the Panama Canal, and strengthen the national economy through antitrust legislation. Roosevelt, moving past incredible personal hardships, would forever change the power of the Presidency and show the world the strength and resolve of America. Born into the wealthy, dynastic Roosevelt family in 1858, Theodore, or “Teddy” was the second child of Marth Bulloch and Theodore Roosevelt Sr. He first entered public life in 1882 when he won election to the New York State Assembly. His work in the statehouse was focused on anti-corruption measures, a stance that he kept up for the rest of his political life. After “retiring” from politics after the death of his wife and mother, he returned from North Dakota to accept a position in the Civil Service Commission and after that, the President of the New York Police Department Board of Commissioners. In both of these roles, he continued to fight against corruption and the extreme poverty faced by the poor immigrants in New York City. After the election of William McKinley in 1896, Roosevelt went through three powerful offices. The first was Assistant Secretary of the Navy before he resigned to fight in the Spanish American war. The second was after the War when he decided to run for Governor of New York. The third was the Vice Presidency, which he took over after the incumbent died. This set up Roosevelt to become President in 1901. Roosevelt built his brand of politics around anti-corruption and pro-economic growth with social reforms. His trust-busting days were never anti-business in nature, Roosevelt would only go after companies that got too large and stifled economic growth. In addition to his actions on conservation, Roosevelt established food standards nationwide to protect people from foodborne diseases. He reinforced the Monroe Doctrine with the Roosevelt Corollary, essentially telling the world that any “trouble” in the Western Hemisphere would be dealt with by the United States. Theodore Roosevelt left his marks on politics, writing, and conservation just to name a few. His bold personality allowed him to always keep attention on him and away from his enemies. His personal strength of will, coupled with a firm belief in doing what is right would make him a fierce opponent, regardless of who was running against him.