Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Edwin O. Holter, listing the reasons why the United States is already at war because of German aggression. Roosevelt states the only choice to is make war valiantly or feebly. He wishes he could attend the patriotic meeting at Madison Square Garden. This copy of the original was typed on March 20, 1919.
1917
Theodore Roosevelt describes Horatio Nelson Jackson’s interview in the Burlington Free Press as interesting. Roosevelt is amazed at how little attention German Ambassador Johann Heinrich von Bernstorff’s published warning about Americans traveling on Allied ships received. Roosevelt believes that President Wilson is responsible for other countries viewing America with contempt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-01-19
Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Dr. White that the United States unfortunately supports President Woodrow Wilson’s policy towards the war in Europe. Roosevelt sees German submarine warfare, which he considers the “assassination of women and children,” as failing, but believes the Germans have a secret agreement with President Wilson to harass the British and French with pretend concessions. Roosevelt encourages White to read his upcoming article in Metropolitan Magazine. Roosevelt notes that his sons and son-in-law hope to get into the war, but he doubts that America will join. Roosevelt invites the Whites to visit after he returns from visiting the north woods with Alexander Lambert.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-09-03
Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Albert J. Beveridge’s opinion that additional battleships would have given Spain the excuse to avoid the Spanish War. Roosevelt mentions the high quality of the naval program when he was president and reiterates that World War I was not caused by anything connected to the freedom of the seas.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-01-24
Theodore Roosevelt does not want to be considered in next spring’s primaries. He hopes that the Republican Party will realize that the Progressive Party platform of 1912 was “mere Abraham Lincolnism” and a decent man will be nominated. Roosevelt believes President Wilson should be protesting against the German sinking of passenger ships. British actions should be ignored until action is taken against the “infinitely worse deeds of the Germans.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-31
The success of German submarines has given Theodore Roosevelt a “very uneasy feeling.” Roosevelt is concerned that Great Britain’s ability to continue fighting might rely on American merchant shipping. As such, the British should be cautious when protesting neutrality rights and confiscating cargoes. Great Britain must decide what is in their own interests, but if they are mistaken the responsibility is upon them. Roosevelt hopes the British will avoid a “clash” with the United States, no matter who is in the right. The Wilson administration is courting the German vote and Roosevelt understands British contempt for the administration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-05
Gifford Pinchot is “puzzled” over what is to be done in terms of U.S. politics. He would like to visit Theodore Roosevelt as soon as he returns from Europe. When he returns, Pinchot will also discourse “peace for peace’s sake” with Germany.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-05-05
In an imaginary battle, aircraft, battleships, and submarines are shooting at each other. Caption: Whereas formerly we fought our naval battles on top of the water only, we now may fight them on the water, over the water, and under the water!
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1909-10-27
Theodore Roosevelt agrees with William Roscoe Thayer regarding German submarine attacks on peaceful vessels. He does not understand how the country can refrain from taking action.
1915-04-09