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Civilization, Modern

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Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Lewis Einstein

Theodore Roosevelt is a “genuine lover of peace” and does not believe war is necessary to “maintain the virile qualities.” However, he believes the professional pacifists have lost these qualities and are the “very worst enemies of real peace.” Lewis Einstein currently holds an interesting position at the American embassy in Istanbul and it must be a “sad spectacle” to view the failures of the Turkish revolution. Roosevelt had hoped that Turkey could transform and lead the Muslim community into the modern world. It appears they could not.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-05-29

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edmund von Mach

Theodore Roosevelt thanks Edmund von Mach for his book, which he found to be excellent. Roosevelt agrees about the suffering of the soldiers but does not believe this should divert attention from wrongs done to Belgium. Roosevelt understands that all warring nations believe their cause is just, but he sees no defense for what Germany has done in Belgium. He is a great admirer of Germany and would consider the destruction of the German Empire a great calamity, but he does not believe any good can come from one European nation “smashing” another.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-11-07

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Hugo Munsterberg

Theodore Roosevelt does not believe there can be a satisfactory peace until the wrongs against Belgium have been redressed. He thinks that most Germans acted out of an “honorable fear,” but a small portion, including many German leaders, have pursued an aggressive foreign policy regardless of the rights of other nations and international morality. Belgium has been ruined and Roosevelt wants them to receive reparations and a guarantee that the wrongs will not be repeated. He agrees that Russians are backwards but argues that liberal ideas are gaining ground and that a liberal Russia will prevent “Asiatic rule over Europe.” Roosevelt is not a pacifist and seeks peace by “putting international force behind an international desire to secure at least a reasonable approximation toward justice and fair play.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-10-03

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Robert Harry Munro Ferguson

The Progressive Party is in a “hopeless struggle” but Theodore Roosevelt’s friends are fighting and he must support them. However, he hopes to find time to see Isabella Selmes Ferguson and the children. Roosevelt agrees with the Spectator article; England is right, the wrongs against Belgium must be redressed, and in the future Russia may be the greatest threat to civilization. Roosevelt fears the consequences of breaking up Germany but Western Europe cannot be left at Germany’s mercy. He regrets that President Wilson and Secretary of State Bryan are leading the nation through the crisis.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-10-05

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Sir Cecil Spring Rice

President Roosevelt gives Cecil Spring Rice his assessment on the Russo-Japanese War. Roosevelt is not concerned with the emergence of Japan as a world power and does not think that Japan will become more aggressive. Roosevelt is concerned that Russia must be contained, but insists to Spring Rice that the U.S. has no intention of intervening in the war. In a postscript, Roosevelt discusses the differences between Japanese and American culture and diplomacy, and reflects on race and culture.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-06-13

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Raymond Robins

Theodore Roosevelt views the war as a battle between militarism and democracy. Currently, Russia and Japan are allied with democracy, but with their “alien” institutions and ideals they may “menace civilization.” To do her duty, the United States must be the “just man armed” and avoid pacifism. Roosevelt, and his views, are unpopular and he no longer desires to be a political candidate. He fears his candidacy would be interpreted as greedy ambition. Roosevelt is also opposed by many Catholics due to his previous policies and recent statements. His victory in the Barnes libel suit was also a victory for his supporters as it showed they were right about “boss rule and crooked business.” Roosevelt feels he has done his share in the progressive movement and can no longer take a leading role. The public has had enough of reform and Roosevelt’s presence will now hinder, rather then benefit, the cause.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-06-03

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919