Presidents--Attitudes

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.

President Roosevelt tells Laura d’Oremieulx Roosevelt (widow of his cousin James West Roosevelt) that he loves hearing from her. Roosevelt notes that there are moments when he looks forward to passing on the job of president, although those moments do not last long before he feels the urge to get back to work.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-12-18

Charles Emory Smith encloses a letter discussing unspecified points of President Roosevelt’s domestic policy. Smith suggests more of his foreign policy should be clarified and assures Roosevelt he has not discussed these issues with anyone else.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-02-06

James Ford Rhodes and Henry S. Pritchett have been discussing their recent correspondence with President Roosevelt. Both men support President Roosevelt’s stance regarding the American South and agree his policies will result in improving regional and racial tensions.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-12-23

Thomas Nelson Page writes to Nicholas Murray Butler and reviews the points discussed at their recent meeting. Page is of the opinion President Roosevelt should state explicitly he has no hostility to the American South and that such a statement would end bad feelings against Roosevelt and tension within that region.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-12-16

President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to say they are waiting for Kermit to send soiled laundry before they send the rubber-soled shoes. Roosevelt says he is very busy and glad he has gotten everything ready in advance. He also talks about directions for the double-barreled 450 rifle.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1909-02-04

President Roosevelt tells his son Kermit that there has been considerable grumbling over his order regarding physical exercise. In order to put a stop to it, Roosevelt decided to ride 90 miles in one day himself. He and three others rode from Washington, D.C., to Warrenton and back, a distance of 98 miles, beginning at 3:30 a.m. and returning at 8:30 p.m.

Congress feels they do not have to listen to the President since his term is nearly up and he expects fights over some veto messages he will send. He will start his libel suits against The World and the Indianapolis News. Roosevelt says he and Mother have enjoyed life at the White House but are ready to leave.

Collection

Harvard College Library

President Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about his last spring at the White House. Roosevelt is concerned about Archie’s performance at Groton School. Roosevelt complains about Senator Robert M. La Follette filibustering, and says that Congress has not given him all the legislation he should have had. He then lists what he has been able to accomplish. Roosevelt closes by saying that he has two good maps of Africa, and he and Kermit can crystallize the plans for their trip when they next meet.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1908-05-30

President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about events he has attended recently. With Congress adjourning in a week, his active work as president will be coming to an end. Roosevelt says that after the nominating convention nobody will pay attention to him anymore. Roosevelt feels bad about Archie losing a race and wants Kermit to get the most out of his one year at Harvard. He says he is pretty sure they will go to Africa but he wants Kermit to buckle down to work after they return.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1908-05-17

President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about his battles with Congress to get four battleships. Roosevelt says some senators are indifferent or unpatriotic. He fears war with Japan and that pushes him to build the navy. Roosevelt adds that Ted was home with a sore throat but is now better, and also says that he and Edith went riding.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1908-04-19

President Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about his message on trusts, labor, and corporations. Roosevelt adds that since the convention is approaching, it is probably the last time people will pay attention to what he has to say. He talks about playing tennis for the last time of the season, horse back riding, and taking a walk.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1908-02-02

President Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about rock climbing and riding with Edith. He also talks about the current financial and industrial crisis and how he will be blamed. Roosevelt says he will not be driven from his course.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1907-11-03

President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about horseback riding and the current financial crisis. Roosevelt says the anger is centered on him but he does not care because he knows that what he did was right.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1907-11-23

President Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about securing the Republican presidential nomination for Secretary of War Taft. Roosevelt adds that men hostile to him are trying to nominate New York Governor Hughes. He closes by saying it is the height of the social season, which is preventing him from exercising.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1908-01-27

President Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit to share a Hindustani proverb given him by a friend which expresses Roosevelt’s views about preparing in advance for war. He describes springtime at the White House and his time with Edith. He adds that he is glad the social season is over. He may have some tussles with Congress, if the Speaker tries to obstruct business, but the Republican Party has a good record of getting work done. Roosevelt says the USS Mayflower has run aground but he will be sure Kermit has a boat for his Mississippi River trip.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1908-03-08

President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to say the family eagerly awaited letters from him and Archie from school. The Oyster Bay home is being closed up and Anna Roosevelt Cowles visited. Roosevelt said he finished his speeches for his Mississippi River trip and almost finished his message to Congress.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1907-09-20

President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit about life at Oyster Bay for with the family. He says he is working on speeches for his Mississippi trip and meeting with Admirals Brownson and Evans about the navy’s trip to the Pacific. Roosevelt acknowledges that his policies have caused an economic downturn but he will not alter his course. He closes by wishing Kermit well on his prairie chicken hunting trip.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1907-08-27

President Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit to tell him about his trip to the Jamestown Exposition on Georgia Day, where they built a reproduction of Roosevelt’s grandfather’s house as the Georgia State Building. He also congratulates Kermit on the performance of his crew team at Groton School.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1907-06-13

President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to congratulate him on being third in his class at Groton School that month. Roosevelt also updates Kermit on his work, the state of the country, and the gardens at the White House. Roosevelt closes by saying he and Edith enjoyed Seymour Blair’s poems in the last Grotonian.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1907-05-27

President Roosevelt tells his son Kermit that people are urging him to run for a third term as president but he will not do it. He wants to get Secretary of War Taft nominated. Roosevelt talks of riding in Rock Creek Park and playing tennis. He also refers to a letter from Marvin Hughitt that was enclosed, asking Kermit if he wants to fish in Wisconsin or go duck and chicken hunting in Minnesota or Dakota in the fall.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1907-05-15