Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Emil von Schleinitz
Subject(s): Allegiance, Belgium, Citizenship, Citizenship (International law), France, Germany, Great Britain, International relations--Moral and ethical aspects, Neutrality, War crimes, War--Moral and ethical aspects, War--Planning, World War (1914-1918)
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Theodore Roosevelt has not spoken publicly about German soldiers because the facts are not clear. From the information he has received, it appears that “very great barbarities” have been committed as part of a plan to terrorize civilians. These plans were “encouraged from high up.” The evidence is overwhelming that Germany had a long standing plan to invade Belgium upon the commencement of hostilities with France. Belgium desired to avoid war and would not have let France, Great Britain, or Germany violate her territory. Roosevelt wants citizens to act as good Americans and be “United States and nothing more.” The worst thing that can happen is the perpetuation of “division based on differences of creed or differences of racial origin.” Americans should strive for the betterment of mankind and judge each nation by its conduct.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1915-02-08
Creator(s)
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Recipient
Schleinitz, Emil von, 1858-1920
Language
English
Period
Post-Presidential Years (1913-January 6, 1919)
Repository
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Page Count
4
Production Method
Record Type
Multi-image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Emil von Schleinitz. [February 8, 1915]. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o211657. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Emil von Schleinitz. [8 Feb. 1915]. Multi-image. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. December 2, 2025. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o211657.
APA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919.: , [1915, February 8]. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Emil von Schleinitz. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o211657.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. December 2, 2025. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
