International relations-Moral and ethical aspects

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

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Rudyard Kipling

Theodore Roosevelt encloses several articles he has written on the situation in Europe. Roosevelt disagrees with President Wilson’s and Secretary of State Bryan’s attitude toward foreign affairs. However, he is reluctant to speak out about what actions he would have taken as president because he is powerless to see anything done. He believes that England is “entirely right” and that there can be no peace until the wrongs against Belgium have been redressed. Roosevelt has not publicly addressed the “outrages against individuals” due to the large amount of conflicting testimony. He likes the German people and believes that many have been “influenced by genuine fear.” Roosevelt agrees that there is a danger to the United States but Americans that share this view are a minority and Roosevelt’s political influence is “nearly gone.” He requests that Rudyard Kipling keep his letter confidential and write frankly about the articles, as well as anything else he should speak out about.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-10-03

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edward Everett Hale

President Roosevelt believes that good has been done by his expression of sympathy with the Jews of Russia. A petition from “respectable citizens” may be sent to Emperor Nicholas II if he agrees to receive it.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-07-14

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George von Lengerke Meyer

President Roosevelt copies two letters he sent to Kentaro Kaneko that he believes finally convinced Japan to give up on an indemnity and reach terms to end the Russo-Japanese War.

Collection

Massachusetts Historical Society

Creation Date

1905-09-01

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James Bryce

Theodore Roosevelt praises the accomplishments and spirit of the British Navy. He abhors the German cause but also admires their organization and daring. Roosevelt feels that he can separate gallantry and devotion from a side’s cause as members of his family fought for the Confederacy. He can admire their service but deplore the cause they fought for. The Progressive Party is seeking to run Roosevelt as a third party presidential candidate but he will support the Republican nominee, Charles Evans Hughes. Hughes is an upright man who will do better than President Wilson. Roosevelt has a low opinion of Wilson and the “professional intellectuals” that support him.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-06-19

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to J. P. O’Mahony

Theodore Roosevelt denies advocating for war over the invasion of Belgium and argues that war with Mexico, due to the murder of American citizens, has a greater demand for action. Roosevelt sympathizes with the Irish, but there are other people in similar situations, such as the Danes of North Schleswig and French of Lorraine. He sees no reason why the Irish situation requires American action, but North Schleswig and Lorraine do not. Roosevelt believes it is foolish to believe that the United States is under British influence. He directs J. P. O’Mahony to his recent book, Fear God and Take Your Own Part, for further discussion of his views.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-06-04

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Albert Kuhn

Theodore Roosevelt appreciates the invitation but will be unable to make a speech at Dubuque German College. Roosevelt disagrees that the proper American policy towards the war is neutrality. He cannot be neutral towards Belgium and Germany after Belgium has been “dreadfully wronged.” Many aspects of the war are debatable but Roosevelt will not be neutral between right and wrong. He denies supporting any foreign country and is pledged only to the United States.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-05-22

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James Lane Pennypacker

Theodore Roosevelt thanks James Lane Pennypacker for the friendly letter and will use the language he suggests in an upcoming speech in Saint Louis, Missouri. However, he has often used this language but cannot make the public pay attention. Roosevelt cannot be neutral between Germany and Belgium as no one should be neutral between right and an “immensely powerful wrong.” He would have denounced the British or French just as quickly if they had acted like Germany.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-05-27

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Albert Kuhn

Theodore Roosevelt denies he is using a double standard regarding German and British violations of the rules of war. Germany has killed hundreds of Americans at sea while the British have interfered with American trade and mail. Roosevelt does not consider these violations in the same class. Roosevelt directs Albert Kuhn to his book, Fear God and Take Your Own Part, for further information on his views.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-05-10

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick A. Reiter

Germany was the first belligerent nation to violate American rights and German violations are of much greater consequence then the British interfering with American trade and mail. The United States failed to effectively protest after the sinking of the Lusitania which has limited protests of subsequent, smaller offenses. Roosevelt sends Frederick A. Reiter a copy of his book, Fear God and Take Your Own Part, and directs him to several passages. He has taken a stand for Belgium and wants each nation to be treated according to its conduct.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-05-10

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick A. Reiter

Theodore Roosevelt has denounced Germany and been lenient with Great Britain because the British have interfered with commerce, but the Germans have killed hundreds of American citizens. A minor property offense can be ignored until action has been taken against murder. If he were president, Roosevelt would put a stop to the German campaign against American lives and then force the British to comply with the laws of war.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-05-03

Preface to Made in Germany

Theodore Roosevelt introduces Made in Germany by F. M. Sprague. He calls attention to what it says about the failure of the United States to perform its duty in relation to the world war.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-08-16

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Mrs. Antonio De Viti de Marco

Theodore Roosevelt has tried to convince the American people to do their duty regarding the war. However, they have been misled by many politicians and pacifists. Roosevelt suggests that Mrs. Antonio De Viti de Marco and her friends write to Jane Addams and other America pacifists to convince them that their demand for peace and ignorance of “hideous wrongdoing” is the “gravest crime against righteousness.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-06-01

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Anna Roosevelt Cowles

Governor Roosevelt does not want the vice presidency; instead he wants to continue to be governor, where he believes he can accomplish more. With regard to the Second Boer War, Roosevelt sympathizes with the British, for he sees that they and the Boers are both fighting for that in which they believe.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1900-02-02

International relations--Moral and ethical aspects

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