Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt believes that Woodrow Wilson has now “eaten his words” regarding national defense. Roosevelt is glad that Wilson’s position has changed and will “back him heartily in his new position.” However, Roosevelt believes that Wilson has only changed his policy to help his personal political position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-10-25
The Wilson administration has behaved “infamously,” and Theodore Roosevelt considers President Wilson to be a timid man who will “avoid war at all hazards.” Wilson is favoring Germany and attempting to keep the German American and pacifist vote. Roosevelt breaks down American opinion into four sections; German Americans, professional pacifists, the majority who are not interested in international affairs, and a small percentage that think like him. Three of Roosevelt’s sons have finished training at the Plattsburgh camp, and they all did well. He has his volunteer division sketched out and guarantees it will do its duty. Roosevelt is distressed at Russia being “terribly smashed,” and he hopes the allies can stay together as they can win the war together.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-09-02
Theodore Roosevelt wishes he were president in order to intervene in Mexico and “interfere in the world war on the side of justice and honesty.” He does not believe in “neutrality between right and wrong.” Roosevelt sympathizes with the allies against Germany and would have taken action after the invasion of Belgium. However, he is currently a political outsider and is ashamed at the inaction of the United States and its leadership.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-08-07
In the next issue of Metropolitan Magazine, Theodore Roosevelt goes after German Americans “without gloves.” If the United States goes to war with Germany, he believes he could raise enough men of German ancestry to “put down all the traitorous citizens at home and also fight the Germans abroad.” Roosevelt is feeling warlike and thinks there is “good fighting material” in the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-13
Theodore Roosevelt is envious of Lieutenant Colonel Lee as he has a “chance to do a piece of duty supremely worth doing.” Roosevelt wrote a short book on the war entitled America and the World War and has not “minced matters.” He would like Lee to look at the book. Roosevelt disapproves of President Wilson, Secretary of State Bryan, and the peace advocates. In a postscript, Roosevelt has decided to send Lee the letters he wrote to Edward Grey and Cecil Spring Rice. American public opinion is swinging back towards the allies. It has been “soul-trying” to listen to pacifist Englishmen and pro-German Americans, such as Nicholas Murray Butler. Roosevelt continues to be disgusted by the policies of the Wilson administration and their efforts to take political advantage of the war.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-01-22
Theodore Roosevelt explains to Thomas Robins that he has limited himself to public speaking on the topic of his South American trips. He feels his skills on speaking about American’s unpreparedness for war would best be accomplished in his pamphlet titled “What America Should Learn from the War,” which is scheduled to be released in a few weeks.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-24
Theodore Roosevelt tells Professor Appelmann he should have immediately and publicly repudiated the statements of Professor Paul Rohrbach. He failed to do so and now his name is connected with Rohrbach. Rohrbach’s published letter amounted to treason and advised German Americans to vote in a manner that would prevent the United States from being prepared for war.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-06-07
A “regular winter” is upon Sagamore Hill. Theodore Roosevelt exercises a little, speaks once or twice a week regarding the war, and writes for the Kansas City Star. He hopes he is doing a little good. The Republicans appear willing to accept Roosevelt’s leadership for the fall campaign to the extent of speeding up the war and only accepting the “peace of complete victory.” Alice Roosevelt Longworth is visiting and is “as amusing and interesting as ever.” Representative Longworth has delivered a strong speech on the military situation. Quentin should be pleased that he is overseas and not being delayed in some camp. Roosevelt wishes that President Wilson had been patriotic, just, and generous enough to accept Roosevelt’s service. However, the essential matter is that his sons have grasped the chance to “prove your truth.”
1918-02-03
Goldwin Smith does not believe that the United States should intervene in the South African War but suggests an “expression of feeling” about the war. Smith would like to see the Boer republics be given internal self-government under British suzerainty and Johannesburg removed from the Transvaal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-25