1. Theodore Roosevelt’s image appears on Mount Rushmore next to the
    likenesses of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln.
    Why is he grouped with such important figures in American history?
  2. Roosevelt’s era is often associated with his personality. when did Roosevelt
    live? How did he define his times?
  3. Roosevelt was larger than life. What were some of his weaknesses? What
    were some of his strengths?
  4. Roosevelt is often associated with war. What was his attitude toward war?
  5. Roosevelt was born into a world in transition. Discuss this world, especially the
    impact of the new technology of railroads.
  6. Roosevelt was born and raised in New York City. Describe the New York City
    of his youth.
  7. Roosevelt came from a prominent family. Discuss his family and background.
  8. Describe Roosevelt’s parents. How did they influence Teddy, especially his
    father?
  9. Roosevelt was quite sickly when he was a young boy. How did his illness affect
    his personality?
  10. Roosevelt suffered from asthma. What is asthma? What are the symptoms of
    this disease?
  11. Roosevelt began his political career in the New York political system. Describe
    politics in New York during the 19th century..
  12. Theodore Roosevelt was anxious for the United States to go to war with
    Spain. Why did TR desire war with Spain?
  13. What caused the Spanish-American War?
  14. Although TR was anxious to go to war with Spain, President McKinley was not.
    Why was the president reluctant to go to war?
  15. Why was it so important to TR that he serve in the army?
  16. TR led the Rough Riders in their historic charge up San Juan Hill. How did the
    Rough Riders get their name?
  17. What was the Rough Riders’ objective?
  18. TR is the only president to ever receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.
    When did he receive the medal?
  19. Why did TR receive the medal?
  20. TR served as governor of New York. How and why did he become the
    governor?
  21. What was the “amen corner?”
  22. Discuss some of TR’s New York reforms.
  23. How did TR become vice president?
  24. How did TR become president?
  25. Theodore Roosevelt was anxious for the United States to go to war with Spain.
    Why did TR desire war with Spain?
  26. TR became president after the assassination and death of William McKinley.
    Discuss the irony of TR gaining the most powerful office by an act of fate.
  27. TR had an unorthodox managerial style. Discuss TR’s style of leadership.
  28. Race relations is one of the most complex topics in America. It was just as
    complex in the early 20th century. Discuss the state of race relations in the
    early 20th century.
  29. TR’s views of race and relations were indicative of his era. Discuss his views
    of race and racial differences. How do these views differ from the views of
    recent presidents?
  30. TR invited Booker T. Washington, the most famous African American of his
    day, to dine at the White House. Why was this event so momentous? What
    were some of the reactions to this event?
  31. The American presidency has evolved and changed during the nation’s
    history. Discuss the differences in the presidency during the early 20th
    century and the early 21st century.
  32. TR is famous for his actions against the big trusts. What are trusts? Why were
    they so lucrative? What did TR do about these trusts?
  33. Discuss the lifestyles of the men and their families who led the trusts. Why was
    there resentment against these industrialists?
  34. What were some of the reactions to TR’s actions against the trusts?
  35. In 1902, a great coal strike crippled the nation. Why was coal so important
    during the early years of the 20th century? How did TR end the great coal
    strike?
  36. TR was instrumental in the building of the Panama Canal. For what reasons
    did TR and America want the canal?
  37. Discuss the role of TR in conservationism.
  38. Theodore Roosevelt spent over seven years as president. How did he feel
    about the office and his job?
  39. TR was one of the first presidents to master the media. How did he use the
    media to serve his purposes?
  40. Why did TR’s manipulations of the media make him so powerful?
  41. TR was the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Why was he the
    recipient of this prestigious award?
  42. TR’s famous quotation about foreign policy is “Speak softly and carry a big
    stick.” What did he mean by this?
  43. The incident in Brownsville, Texas was TR’s greatest failure. What happened
    in Brownsville? What was TR’s response? Discuss the role of racism in the
    incident and in TR’s actions.
  44. TR chose not to run for a third term in 1908. Why?
  45. TR handpicked his successor to the presidency, William H. Taft, but later
    regretted his endorsement of Taft. Why did TR feel that Taft had betrayed
    him?
  46. Why did TR choose to run as the Progressive Party candidate in 1912?
  47. How did the Progressive Party get its nickname, the “Bull Moose Party?”