Theodore Roosevelt is consistently listed as one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history. Introduce your students to the life of this great man with the biography and worksheet below.
The Life of President Theodore Roosevelt Biography
“Get action! Do things . . . and be somebody.” This was one of the many phrases by which Theodore Roosevelt lived his life. He never wasted a second of his existence. He was born into a wealthy family in New York City and grew up as a sickly child. He overcame his small size and poor health through strenuous exercise and determination while developing a love for both reading and the outdoors.
He went to Harvard, began his career as a writer and historian, then ran for the New York State Legislature. Tragically his mother and first wife died on the same day, and he moved to the Dakotas to work as a cattle rancher while overcoming the losses.
He returned to New York to restart his civil service, married his second wife, and served as the police commissioner in the city. He earned a position at the Assistant Secretary to the Navy but resigned during the Spanish-American War in 1898 to lead a calvary regiment known as the “Rough Riders” earning fame for winning a battle on San Juan Hill in Cuba.
He returned home once more this time winning the race for Governor of New York. President William McKinley then selected him as his running mate in the 1900 election, which they won.
Tragically in September 1901 President McKinley was shot and Roosevelt took his place becoming the youngest president in history at 42. He has often been listed as one of the greatest presidents by focusing on breaking apart monopolies at home, aggressive foreign policy abroad, and the importance of conservation of U.S. natural parks.
After his second term, Roosevelt went on an African safari, but he became increasingly disappointed in his successor, President William Howard Taft. He ran against Taft in 1912 in a new Progressive Party (known as the “Bull Moose Party”) that he founded, however, splitting the votes enabled President Woodrow Wilson to win. Roosevelt remained in the public eye as his health deteriorated until his death in 1919 at only the age of 60.
Theodore Roosevelt Reflection Questions
1. How did President Theodore Roosevelt embrace the motto “Get action!”?
2. Why do you think Roosevelt is remembered as one of our greatest presidents?
3. What can you do this week to live every minute of your life to its greatest potential?
Download the Theodore Roosevelt Biography Worksheet
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