Theodore Roosevelt

(1858 - 1919 )

Who was Theodore Roosevelt ?

    Theodore Roosevelt was born to a wealthy family in New York City. He and his father shared the same name. In 1880, he graduated from Harvard College after which he practiced law, wrote a bit, and was a public official. During the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt headed the Rough Rider Regiment, which fought the famous battle of San Juan. In 1898, Roosevelt was elected as Governor of New York.

    Shortly thereafter, Roosevelt served as Vice President under President McKinley's second term. When McKinley was shot and killed, Roosevelt stepped up to the Presidency, the youngest President so far at age 42. As President, Roosevelt earned the nickname "trust buster." Using the Sherman Anti-Trust Act with great effectiveness, President Roosevelt attacked illegal business practices with fervor.