Belgium

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edmund von Mach

Theodore Roosevelt did not respond to Edmund von Mach’s previous letter as he did not want to say anything offensive. He has been informed that children are suffering across Europe, and if he were to take any action it would be for the benefit of “all the poor mothers and children.” Roosevelt will not advocate for the relaxing of the rules of war in favor of Germany as the Germans have taken advantage of these rules and continue to violate the accepted rules of war. Before the rules of war are relaxed, they must not be violated. Germany has killed thousands of mothers and children through submarine warfare and bombing campaigns. Germany also committed the initial wrong by invading Belgium and causing millions to suffer.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-04-05

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

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edward Grey

Theodore Roosevelt argues that the article Edward Grey believes will damage the British cause was misrepresented by British newspaper correspondents. Roosevelt’s article primarily chastised Americans for failing to do their duty by fulfilling international obligations and preparing for war. He mentioned Great Britain to show the dangers of a policy advocating a large navy and small volunteer army, such as the policy pursued by Britain before the war. Roosevelt admires the British army and navy but wanted to demonstrate to an American audience the folly of not properly preparing for war.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-24

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James Bryce

Theodore Roosevelt argues in favor of a military draft and suggests that the lack of a draft has limited Great Britain’s strength. Roosevelt believes that President Wilson is motivated by fear of pacifist and German-American voters. Wilson also has the “Jeffersonian Buchanan tradition” of avoiding all physical danger. If he had been president, Roosevelt would have taken action after the invasion of Belgium or the sinking of the Lusitania and he believes the country would have supported him.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-30

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William R. Castle

Theodore Roosevelt argues that the Hague Conventions have proved futile, as neutral nations, including the United States, have not protested against their violation. International agreements cannot be counted on and each nation must depend on its own “strength to protect it from international wrong-doing.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-13

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Dwight B. Heard

Theodore Roosevelt appreciates Dwight B. Heard’s letter and addresses the issue of the “Iowa cartoon.” The Progressives and Republicans have not been using his name in their campaigns, of which Roosevelt approves. He believes that within a year or two, the nation will come around to the principles he champions. Meanwhile, President Wilson “has eaten his own words” regarding many of the issues surrounding the war. Roosevelt reflects on the political situation surrounding the war.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-12-06

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Gertrude Battles Lane

Theodore Roosevelt gives permission for his letter to Mrs. Wilkinson to be published. Roosevelt adds a statement in support of military readiness and against pacifism.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-12-06

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

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to J. L. Garvin

Theodore Roosevelt has publicly demanded action regarding the invasion of Belgium and the sinking of the Lusitania. He has advocated that the United States prepare for war and is a great admirer of the British fleet and army. Roosevelt has primarily been writing about the shortcomings of the United States.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-12

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Aline Jackson

Theodore Roosevelt will do his best to provide the aid that Aline Jackson requests for East Africa, but since most charitable donors have already given to European causes, he is not sure how much he can promise. Roosevelt would like to write to her and her husband, Frederick John Jackson, about his South American expedition, but that seems too trivial to write about when the world is at war.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-11-13

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Hagop G. Barsumian

Theodore Roosevelt wishes that he could take effective action on behalf of the Armenians. He also wishes that he had stood up for the rights of the Belgians. If the opportunity comes for him to do anything, he will gladly do so.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-10-20

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

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

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to the Armenian National Defense Committee of America

Theodore Roosevelt expresses horror at atrocities committed against Armenian citizens and wishes there were some way he could be of use. His published writings reflect how he thinks the nation should have acted regarding Belgium, and therefore also regarding Armenia.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-10-15

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Paul Hymans

Theodore Roosevelt appreciates the letter and book Paul Hymans, the Belgian Minister to Great Britain, sent. Roosevelt hopes Hymans has seen the issues of the Metropolitan in which he spoke about Belgium; Roosevelt concludes by congratulating Hymans on having a country that has done so much and has so many reasons to be proud.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-10-15

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Gilbert Parker

Theodore Roosevelt feels that they have rendered “real service” to the Allies and to Belgium, but he is very disappointed that America has not done more and did not stand up in “effective fashion” when American citizens were murdered on the high seas. He expresses his warm admiration for Sir Gilbert and the Canadian people, as well as the people of the British Empire as a whole for what they have done.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-10-16

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Maurice Léon

Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Maurice Léon about Serbia. Germany had not yet declared war on Serbia when they invaded Belgian territory.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-09-01

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to J. William White

Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Dr. White that the United States unfortunately supports President Woodrow Wilson’s policy towards the war in Europe. Roosevelt sees German submarine warfare, which he considers the “assassination of women and children,” as failing, but believes the Germans have a secret agreement with President Wilson to harass the British and French with pretend concessions. Roosevelt encourages White to read his upcoming article in Metropolitan Magazine. Roosevelt notes that his sons and son-in-law hope to get into the war, but he doubts that America will join. Roosevelt invites the Whites to visit after he returns from visiting the north woods with Alexander Lambert.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-09-03

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Clive Phillipps-Wolley

Theodore Roosevelt thanks Clive Phillipps-Wolley for the letter and poem. Roosevelt believes President Woodrow Wilson should have taken action after the invasion of Belgium. If there is war, Roosevelt intends to raise a division and serve with his four sons. Roosevelt praises Canadians for the way “they rallied in the defense of the Empire.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-08-20

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Ernest Hamlin Abbott

Theodore Roosevelt calls attention to Mr. Andrew’s article and request for aid. Young men should seek to provide assistance to Belgium or prepare themselves to defend the United States if the country is attacked. The Wilson administration and the United States have failed to carry out its international obligations or protect American citizens. The country is also unprepared to defend itself and has “earned the contempt and ridicule” of the world.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-08-26