Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Dr. Rumely that the treaties bind the United States “hand and foot” to Great Britain, France, Italy, and Russia. Roosevelt says the treaties also bind the United States with Germany and Austria in spirit and believes they should be denounced.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-01-15
Theodore Roosevelt regrets losing his German friends because of his opinion on the war and feels that his views, compared to Hugo Münsterberg’s, are “as far apart as the poles.” Roosevelt is an American and nothing else. He opposes “hyphenated Americanism.” He believes English should be the language of the United States but Americans must also remain distinct from the people of Europe. Citizens should be treated equally but also held to a high standard of citizenship. Roosevelt judges each nation by their conduct and that is why he is opposing Germany and Austria-Hungary. He admires German ideals but their conduct during the war has been deplorable. Roosevelt’s main concern is that the United States is prepared to do its duty and maintain the nation’s honor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-01-19
Theodore Roosevelt is a strong believer in being practical and compromising. However, there can be a time when it is impossible to compromise and still do your duty to your country. Roosevelt views the war as a “great world crisis” and has sought to tell the truth about Germany, pacifism, and President Wilson without regard to the effect on himself. He understands that this course likely makes him unsuitable for any political office. Roosevelt hopes his efforts will help prevent Wilson’s reelection and that the Republican Party will nominate someone he can support.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-01-29
Theodore Roosevelt compliments Maurice Francis Egan on his letter writing and describes his letters as “delightful as literary works.” Roosevelt’s recent article, which pointed out some English shortcomings, upset the English but Roosevelt was writing for an American audience. He agrees that the United States is unlikely to fight “disinterestedly” as happened in Cuba.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-07
Theodore Roosevelt is grateful that Arthur W. Page sent him that pro-German paper. Roosevelt does not know why Mr. Mann would write an article for such a paper, but he found out that one of his own articles has been republished in Germany.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-14
Theodore Roosevelt strongly disagrees with Admiral Chadwick’s opinion that the United States should be supporting Germany because of wrongs done to the country by the English and Dutch centuries ago. It is a “foolish doctrine” to do wrong in the present because of centuries-old events. Roosevelt defends his policies towards Morocco during his presidency. He states that any comparison between the Moroccan situation and Belgium is “unspeakably silly” as Belgium was able to keep internal order and did not antagonize Germany.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-31
Theodore Roosevelt feels exactly the way Major Luria does about Americanism. Roosevelt does not care where a man is born if he has got the right spirit in him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-17
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-04-05
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-24
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-24
Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed Edward Solon Goodhue’s reports on his Metropolitan articles in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Roosevelt notes the editorial incorrectly states that Germany had apologized to the United States for her actions with regards to the RMS Lusitania. On the contrary, Germany has never apologized or accepted any responsibility.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-27
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.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-13
Harry White told Theodore Roosevelt that Germany, through the Hamburg-American Line, encouraged Denmark not to sell Saint Thomas to the United States. Roosevelt is not concerned about his own presidential nomination but he is concerned about the “yellow streak” in the American people. Strong leadership could have ended this streak but leadership has been poor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-04-03
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-06
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-06
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-01
Theodore Roosevelt found T. Kyle Dawson’s article to be excellent but Dawson was misinformed about Roosevelt’s article, “The Duty of the United States to Its Own People.” Roosevelt blames this misinformation on English correspondents only telegraphing the sensational parts of his article. The main point of the article was America’s failure to make military preparations. Roosevelt was appealing to his countrymen and had no idea the article would be read in England.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-20
Theodore Roosevelt asserts that he has “as much German blood as English blood,” and that he must condemn wrong acts by either country. Roosevelt urges that one should change citizenship only with great hesitation and only when prepared to “cast their lot” with their adopted country.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-10-20
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-10-20
Theodore Roosevelt thinks that when World War I goes in history, it will be recognized that Admiral Louis Alexander Mountbatten’s action in connection with the mobilization of the British Fleet was one of two or three critical things which the Allies did that allowed them to neutralize the extraordinary German efficiency. Roosevelt assures Mountbatten that he will receive credit for this. Roosevelt also sends Mountbatten a copy of an article he has written in which he references Mountbatten’s actions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-10-25