Events in the Life of Theodore Roosevelt

Roosevelt and the Rough Riders at San Juan Hill

Jul 1, 1898

During the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt led a charge up San Juan Hill leading a group called the "Rough Riders", taking the hill and breaking the Cuban defenses. Roosevelt also earned a Medal of Honor here.

McKinley's Assassination Leads to Roosevelt's Presidency

Sep 14, 1901

President McKinley was assassinated on September 14th, 1901, leading to Vice President at the time, Theodore Roosevelt, to assume office and take his place as U.S. President at the age of 42.

Coal Strike of 1902

May 12, 1902

After mine operators refused to meet with the representatives of the United Mine Workers of America, a strike was called for coal mines in Eastern Pennsylvania.

National Reclamation Act Passed

Jun 17, 1902

This act funded irrigation projects throughout the 20 western states. These were constructed on federal lands.

Elkins Act Passed

Feb 19, 1903

The "Elkins Act" prohibited railroads to offer rebates to businesses that were moving large shipments under penalty of heavy fine.

Roosevelt and the Northern Securities Case

Mar 14, 1904

This case established Roosevelt's reputation as a trust-buster, using anti-trust legislation to break monopolies. In this case specifically it was against a holding company controlling the railroads from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest.

Roosevelt Wins His First Full Term

Nov 8, 1904

In the 1904 Election, Roosevelt won the election to continue progressive pushes against his opponent, Alton B. Parker.

Yosemite Nation Park is Under Federal Protection

1906

After Roosevelt visited Yosemite National Park in 1903, he passed legislature to have it and many other national landmarks/parks federally protected.

Meat Inspection Act Passed

Jun 30, 1906

The "Meat Inspection Act" was the act that required federal inspectors in meat-packaging plants.

Pure Food and Drug Act Passed

Jun 30, 1906

This act removed harmful food and drug items from the market, setting regulations on the manufacturing and sale of said items both nationally and internationally.

Roosevelt Leaves Presidency and Visits Africa

Mar 23, 1909

President Roosevelt left for Africa to collect specimen for the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington D.C.

Roosevelt Runs as a Bull Moose

Nov 5, 1912

In the 1912 election, Roosevelt ran for a new political party called the "Bull Moose Party". Due to the largely two party system of America, the only thing that Roosevelt did was assist the Democrats in winning the presidency by stripping votes away from the Republican party.