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Theodore Roosevelt is born
Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City on October 27, 1858. He would become the 26th President of the United States and a key figure in American history, known for his progressive movement policies and conservation efforts. -
Named President when McKinley is assassinated
Roosevelt became President after the assassination of President William McKinley. McKinley was shot by an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz. At the time, Roosevelt was serving as Vice President. His sudden rise to the presidency at age 42 made him the youngest person ever to hold the office. -
Energy crisis - Anthracite Coal Strike
The Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902 was a major labor dispute where coal miners in Pennsylvania demanded better wages and shorter workdays. President Theodore Roosevelt intervened, and a compromise was reached, giving miners a 10% wage increase and shorter hours. This was the first time the federal government acted as a neutral negotiator in a labor dispute. -
Elkins Act passed
The Elkins Act of 1903 was a U.S. federal law aimed at depriving unfair practices in the railroad industry. It prohibited railroads from offering refunds to favored customers and strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission's ability to enforce fair rates. -
Pelican Island, Florida named first national wildlife refuge
Pelican Island in Florida was established as the first National Wildlife Refuge in the United States by Theodore Roosevelt. This action was a significant step in the conservation movement and aimed at protecting birds from overhunting and habitat destruction. Pelican Island became a sanctuary for various bird species, particularly the brown pelican, and marked the beginning of the National Wildlife Refuge System, which now includes over 560 refuges across the country. -
Wins first full term as President
Roosevelt won his first full term as President in the 1904 election, running against the Democratic candidate, Alton B. Parker. After initially carrying the presidency in 1901 following the assassination of President William McKinley, Roosevelt ran for re-election and secured a victory. His win in 1904 allowed him to continue his progressive reforms and conservation efforts. -
Yosemite under Federal Control
During Roosevelt's presidency, Yosemite National Park saw significant conservation efforts. Roosevelt worked with naturalist John Muir to protect the park, leading to the expansion of federal control and protection over its lands and the establishment of policies to preserve its natural beauty for future generations. -
Passage of Pure Food And Drug Act
This act protected consumers from unsafe and mislabeled products. It banned the sale of contaminated or misbranded foods and drugs and required labels to list active ingredients. This act was largely driven by public outrage following Upton Sinclair's novel The Jungle, which exposed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry. The act laid the groundwork for creating the FDA, which still regulates food and drugs today. -
Devil’s Tower, Wyoming, named first national monument
Devil's Tower in Wyoming is a striking geological formation that was appointed as the first national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt. It rises to about 867 feet, and is made of igneous rock. The tower is sacred to many Native American tribes and is a popular spot for rock climbers and hikers. The unique structure and its surrounding landscape make it a captivating destination. -
Leaves presidency, visits Africa
After leaving the presidency, Roosevelt took on an expedition to Africa. The journey, also known as the Smithsonian-Roosevelt African Expedition, aimed to collect specimens for the Smithsonian Institution's Natural History Museum. Roosevelt, led a team that traveled through British East Africa (now Kenya), the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), and Sudan. Throughout the journey, they collected thousands of animal specimens, contributing greatly to scientific research. -
Runs for presidency, unsuccessfully for Bull-Moose Party
Roosevelt ran for the presidency as a candidate for the "Bull Moose Party." After serving as President from 1901 to 1909, Roosevelt became dissatisfied with his successor, William Howard Taft, and decided to challenge him. Despite a vigorous campaign and significant public support, Roosevelt's bid was unsuccessful. The split in the Republican vote between Taft and Roosevelt ultimately led to the election of the Democratic candidate, Woodrow Wilson.