Theodore Roosevelt and Why He is the Most Important Person We Have Studied This Year

The reason in which I feel Theodore Roosevelt was the most important person we have studied this year is because he was a strong, take action, right president and leader in our country. The fact that Roosevelt is viewed as the "father of the modern American Presidency" gives valid reason to support that he was important and influential in our learning within this semester. "Roosevelt's political presence altered the course of the United States, transforming it into a superpower fully ready to handle the challenges of any opposition, and changed the role of the president and executive branch of US government, making it a force with which to be reckoned." (Barack, Oscar Theodore Jr)

Roosevelt grew up within the wealthy society; the Knickerbockers. Theodore Roosevelt was humble and always looking for a way in which he could benefit those around him, and it was because of his strong work ethic that opportunities for leadership became a part of his life. It was in 1881, when he was only twenty-three years old that he was elected into the New York State Assembly. When Roosevelt returns from the Spanish-American War in 1889 he is appointed as police commissioner. He holds this position until 1895. In 1897 Theodore is appointed under the secretary of the Navy. These are just a few examples as to the leadership roles Theodore held within his lifetime.

Theodore Roosevelt starts the Spanish-American war which ended in the year 1898 and was known for pushing a military build-up that no one had ever seen before. The year he returned from war, Theodore was elected Governor of New York. Many political leaders of the time did not care for him in this position because he was such a strong leader. In order to take away his power, the Republicans gave him the Vice-Presidency, but little did they know this would only contribute to his success as a leader. It is after the McKinnley's assassination that Roosevelt becomes the youngest president in U.S. history.

Theodore Roosevelt's philosophy on American foreign policy was "speak softly and carry a big stick." Theodore was also known for his Square Deal which gave the people of that time the chance to succeed. He was always striving to find a better way for the people to live and fill out their dreams. When Roosevelt finished his presidency he traveled to the jungle in order to get away from politics. When he returned to the U.S. America could not have been happier to see him. It was when Roosevelt wass fifty-five years old that he decided to travel to Brazil and travel the River of Doubt. Here, he became very ill and where his health took a turn for the worst. Theodore Roosevelt died at sixty years old in 1919.

Theodore Roosevelt's success and leadership qualities made him one of the most influential and important people within history. His good judgment and good morals within his personal life and political life I believe makes him one of the most important people we have learned and studied this semester. It is interesting to learn about the history of a leader for it truly does give a perspective as to the important roles they held within their lifetime. As is evident in the information above, Roosevelt had many accomplishments within his lifetime. He also had a heart for leadership, equality, and production;in my opinion, three of the most important factors a person especially within history could have been made of. It is the people within history that we, the learners in today's society learn from.