Theodore Teddy Roosevelt lead the Republican party and the country as President during some very formative years. He became President in 1901 and served for two full term after having spent a lifetime in public service whether elected or volunteered.

Roosevelt was from the same wealthy family that his cousin, Franklin Roosevelt was from. As a child, he was asthmatic so spend his time reading - primarily about natural history. In order to balance his bad health, he sought a life of strenuous activities which included many out door pursuits, which later in life formed his image as a cowboy and a model of masculinity. He was Secretary of the Navy, Vice President to William McKinley, and became President upon McKinleys assassination. He was only 42 when he became President, and many of our economic laws were part of Roosevelts administration. The coined the terms square deal and speak softly, carry a big stick. He is responsible for what is known as trust busting which increased regulations on businesses. His domestic agenda worked to give the average American a fair shake, and promoted progressive policies. He was responsible for building the Panama Canal, and won a peace prize for negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War. Roosevelt is thought of as one of our great Presidents, and even after he left office and pursued his beloved outdoors, he is responsible for many of the original environmental policies
that were the beginning of todays green movement.

He left the Republican party before his end and established the Bull Moose Party, and the pictures of a robust Teddy Roosevelt with his monocle are legendary American images. He is an icon in American history and proof that the rich can truly serve the country. He was a life long civil servant.

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