Theodore+Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt was best known for his service as the 26th president of the United States, and as the founder of the Progressive Party. He is often regarded as one of the greatest presidents because of his extensive military background, impressive skills when dealing with matters of foreign policy, and dedication to the betterment of America, as he is responsible for forming the national park service and the building of the Panama Canal.

One of the things he is most known for is his days in the Rough Riders, who gained national fame for their courage in battle in Cuba. It was because of this newfound fame that he was elected Governor of New York. When he decided to run as a republican for president, he campaigned against radicalism and promoted national honor and imperialism. He would become the youngest president at age 42 after McKinley was assassinated. During his presidency he had several goals that he hoped to accomplish. The "Square Deal" promised fairness to average Americans by breaking up monopolies, holding down railroad rates, and guaranteeing pure food and drugs. Also among his goals was the building of the panama canal and forming the national park service, as he was the first president to show any interest in conservation. All of these were accomplished. After his terms as president he supported William Howard Taft for president. However after disagreements with Taft on issues of progressivism, he attempted and failed to prevent Taft’s renomination, and formed the Progressive party to split the republican vote. This allowed Democrat Woodrow Wilson to win the White House and Congress.

After his political career he spent years exploring the world and hunting rare and exotic animals. During this time he contracted several diseases and would eventually die from them in 1920. Today he can be seen in North Dakota as he is one of the four presidents who was chosen to be a part of Mount Rushmore.