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Armenian massacres (1915-1923)

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Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Samuel Train Dutton

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Samuel Train Dutton

The attacks against Armenians have provided a “fresh shock of sympathy and indignation.” If the United States had done its duty in Mexico and regarding the world war, the nation would now be in a place to assist the Armenians. As long as the country follows pacifist principles it will be an ineffective advocate for “international righteousness.” All of the recent “terrible inequities” can be traced to the invasion and subjugation of Belgium and the failure of neutrals to protest. However, the “crowning outrage” has been the Turkish treatment of Armenians and it is dreadful that the United States remains neutral. The United States must prepare to defend itself or it cannot perform any international duty. Wrongdoing can only be stopped by the brave and the just.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-24

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Harry V. Osborne

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Harry V. Osborne

Theodore Roosevelt is sad to hear the “dreadful facts” about the suffering in Belgium and pledges to include what he has learned in an upcoming speech. Roosevelt wants the country to take a stand, but he doubts that his appeals will be successful because of the large German American voting bloc. He suggests that it might be easier to get Americans to do something to protect Armenians. Roosevelt adds that he has also heard calls for humanitarian intervention coming from Americans in Mexico and civilians in Poland, France, and England.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Gershom Mott Williams

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Gershom Mott Williams

Theodore Roosevelt is unsure what he can do to help the Armenian people. The Germans will not influence Ottoman Turkey in favor of Armenia, as the Germans have too much contempt for the United States and have already disregarded international morality. Since there is no Turkish vote, the United States government could take action but Roosevelt doubts there would be any results. Roosevelt will call attention to Armenian suffering but the American public will need to change its opinion on international duty and affairs.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-10-20

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Moses H. Clemens

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Moses H. Clemens

Theodore Roosevelt believes that Turkey’s persecution of Armenians has been “horrible beyond description,” and sympathizes with Moses H. Clemens’ call for the Wilson administration to intervene. Roosevelt hopes that Clemens and his committee will also advocate for the Belgians, whom Roosevelt believes are suffering just as much after the invasion of the Germans in World War I. Roosevelt doubts that an ultimatum would be effective in protecting Armenians because the Wilson administration would not back it with the necessary force, and Roosevelt also believes that if such action is taken for Armenians, ultimatums should be given on behalf of the Belgians and Americans in Mexico as well.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-10-25

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Samuel Train Dutton

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Samuel Train Dutton

Theodore Roosevelt told Judge Osborn that he felt great sympathy for the Armenians that are being persecuted in Turkey but he cannot speak to a mass meeting on the subject. Roosevelt thinks a meeting about Armenian atrocities should also address Belgian atrocities. However, there will be no results until the United States atones for the Americans lost on the Lusitania and murdered in Mexico. In a postscript, Roosevelt states that no protest will be effective until the country shows it has the strength and will to fulfill its promises.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-10-25

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James Stevenson-Hamilton

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James Stevenson-Hamilton

Theodore Roosevelt responds to a letter from James Stevenson-Hamilton, noting that it came when he was discussing Stevenson-Hamilton’s book with Carl Ethan Akeley and Charles Sheldon. They all agree it “is one of the very best books” they know. Roosevelt does not believe that the United States ought to be pardoned for failing to defend Belgium against Germany. If he had been president, Roosevelt would have taken action regarding Belgium and believes the public would have supported war after the sinking of the Lusitania. His book, Fear God and Take Your Own Part, will soon be published and will cover his views on the war. The conduct of the Turks towards Armenians has been dreadful but, unlike the Germans, the Turks can behave “in civilized fashion in a war with the antagonists they respect.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-02-07

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919