Theodore Roosevelt

A Biographical Summary of Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt Jr., often referred to as Teddy, was an American politician, statesman, conservationist, naturalist, historian, and writer who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909.

Born into a wealthy New York family, Roosevelt overcame childhood asthma and debilitating illnesses to become a robust outdoorsman, rancher, and author. He graduated from Harvard University and Columbia Law School. He served in the New York State Assembly and as New York City's police commissioner before becoming assistant secretary of the Navy.

Roosevelt gained national recognition for his leadership of the Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry regiment, during the Spanish–American War. He was elected governor of New York in 1898 and vice president under President William McKinley in 1900. Following McKinley's assassination, Roosevelt assumed the presidency at the age of 42, becoming the youngest president in U.S. history. As president, he implemented progressive reforms, including trust-busting, conservation efforts, and food safety regulations. He also played a key role in mediating the Russo-Japanese War and building the Panama Canal.