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Theodore Roosevelt stresses to Richard M. Hurd of the American Defense Society that in light of the end of the First World War, there is a continued need to “fight for Americanism.” Roosevelt supports the acceptance and equality of immigrants that become “nothing but an American.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1919-01-03
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Commissioner William Williams about the racial designations on the back of the blank immigration forms he sent. He wonders why immigrants from Cuba and the West Indies are designated as separate races and compares it to the way Russia classifies its immigrants.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-07
Theodore Roosevelt is grateful for Agnes Repplier’s writings on the pacifists and on national duty. Roosevelt believes that Americans’ main national duty is to make sure that those of foreign birth or parentage are “Americans and nothing else.” It would be best if someone of foreign birth or parentage led the effort. President Wilson has failed to lead the nation and its “unpreparedness is moral and spiritual.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-10-18
Theodore Roosevelt is doubtful of E. A. Filene’s peace proposition and is opposed to recognizing that Americans of foreign birth have divided interests due to their affiliation with foreign countries. He does not want to encourage “group political action by nationality or creed.” Roosevelt argues that the only peace worth having is a righteous peace as “nonrighteous peace may be as evil as the most unrighteous war.” He faults President Wilson and Secretary of State Bryan for not living up to the country’s international obligations and failing to follow a policy of military readiness. Roosevelt concludes by comparing Wilson and Bryan to Spain’s Prince, Manuel de Godoy, whose policies reduced his country to “complete impotency,” lost Spain’s American possessions, and led to a French invasion under Napoleon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-04-05
Theodore Roosevelt does not usually write introduction letters for people he does not know but is willing to break this rule for Henry F. Cochems. He can write a letter for Mr. Richards to present to Brand Whitlock. In a postscript, Roosevelt summarizes his view that American citizens should only be Americans and nothing else. Citizens should not be discriminated against because of their birthplace or ancestors. Similarly, foreign policy should be conducted on the basis of American interests, and foreign nations should be judged on their conduct.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-31
President Roosevelt discusses his thoughts regarding tensions with Japan with German Ambassador Sternburg, and supposes that racial differences between Europeans and Japanese makes understanding between the two races difficult. In response to a report from Sternburg that Japanese immigrants in Mexico could attack the United States from there should conflict arise, Roosevelt says this action would do nothing but anger the United States. Roosevelt does not understand why Japanese immigrants want to come to America and become naturalized citizens, yet retain their Japanese identity. Roosevelt pledges to treat the immigrants with justice and to protect them if need be, while at the same time keeping the American fleet ready to sail at a moment’s notice. He does not believe there will be war, but will try to “prevent it from being disastrous” if it does. Roosevelt worries because the Japanese have formidable military power, and Americans suffer from a luxurious, modern life that makes them frivolous. Roosevelt is troubled by men who talk about peace but are really cowards. Roosevelt says his foreign policy is simple: to show other nations justice, courtesy, and considerations, and to receive the same in return.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-16
President Roosevelt is pleased that Arthur von Briesen approves of his speech. Roosevelt also tries to support a despondent Brieson on his “Americanism” particularly that a person’s place of birth is irrelevant. Along with Jacob Riis, Roosevelt often uses Briesen as the “types of what true Americans should be.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-06-03
William Williams, the Commissioner of Immigration at Ellis Island, answers several of Theodore Roosevelt’s questions about the way that immigrants are classified by race when they enter the United States. He explains in depth the distinctions between various categories of people coming from Russia, and clarifies that “Hebrews” are classed based on their race, and not on their Jewish faith. The country does not track the religions of immigrants. Williams is unable to fully discuss the classification of Cuban, West Indian, or Spanish American immigrants at present.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-15
German Ambassador Sternburg tells President Roosevelt that if his own representatives in Mexico had not told him of a recent wave of Japanese immigrants there, he would not have given the matter any attention, calling the idea of a Japanese reserve of men stationed to attack the United States “quixotic.” A German naval attaché in Tokyo says Japan is not considering another war in the near future. Sternburg includes a lengthy excerpt from a letter from German diplomat Friedrich von Holstein, who says that British diplomacy, led by King Edward VII, is geared toward using Japan as a “bogey,” stoking anxiety in Russia and the United States about the possibility of Japan initiating hostilities. Sternburg mentions a recent newspaper article that says Germany is actually spreading anti-Japanese feeling, which he finds amusing. Sternburg praises the Great White Fleet’s trip to the Pacific, and notes that many former soldiers emigrate from their home countries, “war seems to create a restless spirit among the fighters.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-19
Draft of an open letter to Judge Olson clarifying Theodore Roosevelt’s views on Americanism and hyphenated Americans. Roosevelt considers Americanism to be a matter of the soul and spirit. He provides many examples of immigrants and children of immigrants that he considers to be pure Americans. Roosevelt does not want an American citizen to act politically as an American with qualifications related to their place of birth or ancestors.
1916-05-25