Nationalism--Political aspects

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.

Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary sends Reverend N. H. Blackmer a copy of Roosevelt’s article in The New Nationalism, as well as a booklet containing Roosevelt’s thoughts on socialism.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-05-28

Theodore Roosevelt agrees with James H. Pound that political and legal arguments should be kept to one or two key issues. As federalists, Roosevelt and Pound believe in “national efficiency” unlike Woodrow Wilson. Roosevelt believes in the extension of the Monroe Doctrine and agrees with what Pound said about the Money Bill, even though he is not well versed on the topic.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-10-16

Theodore Roosevelt writes to Irish nationalist politician, John Edward Redmond, about Redmond’s turning down of a position on Prime Minister Herbert Asquith’s Coalition Cabinet. Redmond’s rival, Unionist Sir Edward Carson, was also offered a place in the cabinet. Roosevelt has been reading William Edward Hartpole Lecky’s Leaders of Public Opinion in Ireland.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-06-01

James A. Mallinson greatly appreciates Theodore Roosevelt’s first installment of his articles on “Progressive Nationalism” and looks forward to succeeding articles.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-01-18

Assistant Secretary of State O’Laughlin writes to President Roosevelt with observations on the social conditions and attitudes in Honolulu. O’Laughlin discusses the effects of immigration on the Hawaiians, and shares his views on the Japanese and Chinese races, especially in regards to labor. Although there was a strong sentiment of Japanese sovereignty, O’Laughlin feels the visit of the fleet and the limiting of Japanese immigration have led to a feeling of desire for American assimilation. This would have been better taken advantage of if there was the option to achieve naturalization. American nationalism and continued peace must be enforced through the use of the Navy, and O’Laughlin agrees with Roosevelt’s actions thus far.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-30

David Brooks argues that the Republican party should look to the example of Theodore Roosevelt as a way to rediscover the championing of American nationalism. Brooks asserts that Roosevelt, like Abraham Lincoln before him, used government to promote ambition and individual initiative. He contends that Republicans should embrace the use of government that promotes national unity while supporting reform of government monopolies like Social Security and public schools. Brooks looks at Roosevelt’s management of immigration, foreign affairs, and conservation for examples of balancing national unity with individual desires.  

 

An illustration and a photograph of Roosevelt appear in the text.