Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt tells Walter Berry that as much good as he thinks M. Rostand would do if he came to the U.S. for a discussion about the violations of the Hague Conventions, it would be politically unwise to do so right now.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-23
Theodore Roosevelt comments on a recent statement by James Bryce, which he believes gives justification to those in the United States who support President Woodrow Wilson’s administration and its pacifist stance toward the war in Europe. Roosevelt has advocated for America to act in defense of Belgium’s neutrality, not for her to stand with England. Although he believes in the friendship of America and England, he has not hesitated to stand for America’s rights when necessary. Wilson’s administration, while speaking of neutrality toward England and Germany, has through its policies and words lent aid to Germany and against the Allies. Roosevelt believes that Bryce’s statement has given support for this stance and done great harm to the Allied cause in the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-23
Theodore Roosevelt was able to secure wide publication of Ladislaus Hengelmuller von Hengervar’s letter. Roosevelt does not believe there is “substantial feeling against Austria-Hungary in America,” but the public is wary of Germany due to the invasion and occupation of Belgium. He does not see the slightest analogy between his actions in Panama and Colombia while president with the German action towards Belgium. Roosevelt had hoped that Austria-Hungary could develop into a “gigantic Switzerland of South-eastern Europe” with equality for the country’s many ethnic groups. Since the nation became prominent in public life, Great Britain has always been friendly towards the United States. This contrasts sharply with Roosevelt’s feeling that, given the opportunity, Germany would force the United States to accept “utter humiliation or war.” He admires Germany and Germans and has always sought friendship between Germany and the United States. However, Roosevelt sees no justification for German conduct in Belgium and he will always judge foreign nations by their conduct.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-24
Theodore Roosevelt believes it is an inopportune time to attempt the creation of a “World League for Peace.” Before any world league is organized, the nations of the world need to meet and enforce current international obligations, which includes having free nations prepared for war. Roosevelt argues that military preparedness is the only way to maintain and enforce peace. He wishes that the United States had defended Belgium but also faults the British for infringing on neutrality. Roosevelt admires Viscount Bryce but regrets that Bryce’s influence will be used to argue in favor of a doctrine that no duty is owed if carrying out that duty “entails risk or hardship.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-30
Theodore Roosevelt tells Frank Knox that he was absolutely right about what Roosevelt would have done about Belgium. Roosevelt praises Knox’s editorial, but reminds him that Germany is more at fault than the Allies for the war.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-13
Theodore Roosevelt comments on the “simplicity” of Freidrich von Bernhardi’s argument that Germany was justified in invading Belgium, because France, Belgium, and England were convinced Germany would violate Belgium’s rights and that the other countries would need to defend her. Roosevelt notes that this is the opinion of many Germans and German Americans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-13
Theodore Roosevelt defends his statements regarding the war and German conduct in Belgium. Roosevelt can feel goodwill towards Germany while also condemning their conduct. He has carefully read the German side of the case and was not convinced. Belgium was determined not to allow the violation of its neutrality by any other nation and only Germany decided to break faith, invade, and subjugate Belgium “against every rule of right and of humanity.” Roosevelt argues that no one can remain an American citizen while subordinating the “interests and duty of the United States to the interests of a foreign land.” He accuses George Sylvester Viereck of being wholeheartedly behind his birth country, Germany, and not his adopted country, the United States. Therefore, Viereck is being a poor citizen of both nations and should return to Germany, renounce his American citizenship, and join the German army.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-15
Theodore Roosevelt understands that the United States could help stop the war by prohibiting the shipment of supplies. However, he argues this would be dishonorable as it would mostly harm the allies and benefit Germany. Roosevelt is “plain United States” and wants the country to do their duty towards other nations and to themselves. To do this, the country must be prepared and should have started months ago. The United States needs to prepare for self defense, judge other nations by their conduct, live up to their obligations, and “not be neutral between right and wrong.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-03
Until the outbreak of war, Albert Apponyi’s correspondence with Theodore Roosevelt was anti-Austrian and Apponyi considered Roosevelt “lukewarm for liberty” because he wanted Hungary to stay within the Austrian Empire. Roosevelt does not agree that the war is against Russia, as Germany stated that the war is primarily against Great Britain and Russia attempted to have the Austria-Serbia conflict placed before the Hague court. He also disagrees about Belgium and does not believe that Britain would have gone to war if Belgian neutrality had been observed. Roosevelt has friends throughout Europe and is working to prepare the United States so they will not suffer a disaster similar to the Belgians or Poles.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-05
Theodore Roosevelt is reluctant to respond to newspaper attacks as they are generally a “purposeful mis-statement of the facts.” However, he refutes several statements from the Springfield Republican. Roosevelt denies that Korea’s situation is similar to Belgium as Korea could not keep order or defend itself and was dominated by Russia. The Hague conventions have been violated throughout the war, not only by Germany, and if the conventions meant something the neutral powers should have protested.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-05
Theodore Roosevelt tells British medievalist and lexicographer R. J. Whitwell that it is no use for him to advise neutral nations beyond what he has already in his book America and the World War, where he addresses the issue of Belgium.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-05
Theodore Roosevelt is not able to attend the meeting, but sends a word of goodwill. Roosevelt believes that it is the duty of the civilized world to help the people of Belgium.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-12
Theodore Roosevelt and his sister cannot do any more than they have already done. In the last six months, they have made every possible appeal on behalf of the French and the Belgians.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-26
Theodore Roosevelt has received Fernand Passelecq’s letter and points out that he is not “Monsieur le President.” Roosevelt sympathizes deeply with the Belgian people.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-03
Theodore Roosevelt notifies Cleveland H. Dodge that this letter will be presented to him by Percy J. Clibborn and Rev. Stuart L. Roussel. The latter is a pastor that represents the French Protestant churches, which suffered heavy war losses. Roosevelt hopes that Dodge will be able to find a way to help them.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-20
Theodore Roosevelt is pleased that John St. Loe Strachey liked his book, America and the World War. He appreciates that Strachey loves the United States but understands this affection pales in comparison to the love Strachey feels for his own country. Roosevelt believes this is the attitude everyone should take. In the book, Roosevelt wanted to be just towards Germany but he feels that Great Britain was in the right. However, he warns against antagonizing the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-22
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Reverend Fox for his letter and feels it is unnecessary to say how strongly he feels about the cruel wrongs done in Belgium.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-22
Theodore Roosevelt asks Owen Parker if he has read his book, America and the World War. Roosevelt responds to Parker’s comment about being ashamed of the United States by pointing out that England and France behaved worse during the American Civil War than the United States is behaving now.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-22
Theodore Roosevelt believes the allies will win the war and that Great Britain and France will greatly benefit. The manhood of these nations has shown “ugly traits” and “should be tried and purged.” He is unsure if victory will bring justice to Belgium or allow the people of middle and southeastern Europe to develop as they should. Ambassador Spring Rice and Ambassador Jusserand are performing a great service to their country when it is most needed. The are standing for their nations, humanity, and mankind. Roosevelt invites Spring Rice and his wife to Oyster Bay, New York, and wants to tell them about his grandchildren. He recently received a sad letter from Winthrop Chanler reminiscing on the old times when they had youth and its “unconquerable spirit.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-18
Theodore Roosevelt clarifies statements he made in his book, America and the World War. Belgium was unprepared when compared with Switzerland. Roosevelt gives G. Edward Buxton the names of people who may be interested in forming a league.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-06