The new nationalism

Theodore Roosevelt makes the case for a “New Nationalism” in a speech at Osawatomie, Kansas, on August 31, 1910. Roosevelt invokes and quotes Abraham Lincoln frequently in his speech which is peppered with references to the Civil War and the veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic. Roosevelt calls for greater federal government supervision of corporations, and he repeatedly rails against the power of special interests which he argues should be subordinated to the national interest. Roosevelt argues in favor of wealth and inheritance taxes, and he admits that his stances will get him labeled as a Communist or revolutionary. He briefly addresses the topics of international relations, conservation, and policies to help farmers. Roosevelt concludes his address by asserting that good laws and good administration of the laws will be of little value if people do not cultivate traits of character. 

William N. Tilchin introduces Roosevelt’s speech with an editor’s note indicating that President Barack Obama gave a speech at Osawatomie in December 2011 in which he compared his policies with those of Roosevelt. 

A poster promoting the speech, a photograph of Roosevelt giving his address, and a political cartoon supplement the text.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1910-08-31

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Publication Date

2023-12-17

Language

English

Period

African Safari (March 1909-1910)

Original Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Page Count

8

Production Method

Printed

Record Type

Image

Resource Type

Speech

Rights

No permission is required from the Theodore Roosevelt Association to use items in the Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal collection for educational purposes. For permissions, contact William Tilchin at (516) 921-6319 or by email at wnt@bu.edu.

Citation