Middle class

James M. Strock identifies nationalism as the bedrock principle of Theodore Roosevelt’s political philosophy which he contends overrides categorizing Roosevelt as either conservative or progressive. Strock identifies, explains, and provides examples of the ten planks of Roosevelt’s nationalism, including patriotism, social mobility, service, and building the ranks of the middle class. The essay is populated by many excerpts from Roosevelt’s writings and speeches, especially the “New Nationalism” speech of August 31, 1910. In keeping with the content of that address, Strock includes many references to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War.

A photograph, political cartoon, and painting of Roosevelt join another political cartoon in illustrating the book excerpt.

A man, woman, and infant wearing ragged clothing labeled “The American Middle Class” sit on a rock labeled “Opportunity” above the rising waters of “Centralized Wealth” in which sharks are circling. In the background, only the head and shoulders of the Statue of Liberty are visible above the water.

comments and context

Comments and Context

“The Rising Waters” by Carl Hassmann is a masterpiece of editorial-cartooning iconography, and a slight example of period hyperbole. It relied on few labels, and the expressions of the couple and the storm clouds easily conveyed the intended flavor. The spirit of the times believed that corporate abuses and an unregulated economy represented a threat to average Americans and liberty itself.

President Roosevelt asks William Grant Edens for the name of government officials who have behaved badly. Roosevelt knows that his election depends “upon the vote of the laboring men and the so called middle classes.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-08-15