During Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency, the actions of ethnic, religious and racial minorities, as well as those of women, were circumscribed—sometimes by law, and sometimes by social convention. Great changes, however, were underway as the 20th Century began. This category highlights the conditions faced by Native Americans, Asian Americans, African Americans, women, immigrants, and religious minorities, and examines Roosevelt’s opinions and actions toward them.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is an important civil rights organization founded in the final months of Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency.
W. E. B. Du Bois (1868-1963) was an influential African-American sociologist, writer, and leader during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency and afterward.
Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) was a famous and highly respected leader among African Americans during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency.
The Brownsville Incident (1906) resulted in the wounding of one white civilian and the death of another. President Roosevelt discharged without honor the entire 25th Infantry, 167 African-American soldiers – a decision that might be deemed one of the worst mistakes of his presidency.