-
Rough Rider at San Juan Hill
The Battle of San Juan Hill was a major battle of the Spanish-American War. It was one of the most significant battles of the war. The Americans heavily outnumbered the Spanish, and eventually won the battle, but took incredibly heavy losses. The Rough Riders, which Roosevelt was the commander of, became very famous for their victory in this battle. Roosevelt actually was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for this in 2001. -
Named President when McKinley is assassinated
Roosevelt is named President of the United States after McKinley is assassinated, after being shot at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. McKinley dies over the span of eight days, when he develops gangrene in his wounds. He was shot by Leon Czolgosz, who shot McKinley twice while shaking his hand. McKinley actually diied because the surgeons operating on him did not use any sanitation, leading to infection and death. Roosevelt was sworn in to office 13 hours after McKinley's death. -
The Coal Strike of 1902
The Coal Strike of 1902 was a strike down by coal miners, who did the strike for higher wages, shorter workdays, and for their union to be recognized. This strike was a big problem for the coal industry, but Roosevelt managed to resolve the issue by turning to JP Morgan, who managed to negotiate a deal and plan to end the strike. As a result of their strike, the miners eventually received a 10% increase in pay, and a 9 hour workday. -
Elkins Act Passed
President Roosevelt signs the Elkins Act on February 19, 1903. This act was created in order to keep railroads from providing rebates to preferred customers. This law greatly boosted Roosevelt's popularity. -
Pelican Island, Florida named first national wildlife refuge
Pelican Island was established as the first National wildlife refuge in the US, as a result of an executive order by President Roosevelt. Roosevelt created this area of protection in order to keep egrets and other birds from going extinct by hunters. Roosevelt was a big conservationist, so protecting nature and our wildlife was very important to him. -
Wins first full term as President
Roosevelt wins his first full term as President in 1904. He had a landslide victory, and was the first president to receive at least 300 electoral votes. He actually wins his full term in 1904, but was made president in 1901, when President McKinley was assassinated and Roosevelt had to swear in as president in his place. -
Yosemite under Federal Control
Roosevelt visited Muir in Yosemite and they went camping together out in the woods of Yosemite. Throughout their time camping, bonding, and talking about conservation, Muir convinced Roosevelt to establish the Yosemite National Park, putting Yosemite under Federal Control, and protecting it from industrialization and destruction. Roosevelt actually slept outside, without even using a tent, as a president. This was very important for conservation efforts, as land could be federally protected now. -
Passage of Pure Food and Drug Act
Roosevelt passes the Pure Food and Drug Act, which prohibits the sale of misbranded food and drugs, and forced all food and drugs meant for humans to pass strict testing, in an effort to ensure safety and cleanliness. This was passed after public outraged occurred over the disgusting's and dangerous conditions that America's food was made in. This act was the stepping stone for the creations of the FDA, and was very beneficial for America. -
Devil's Tower, Wyoming, named first national monument
Devil's Tower, Wyoming, is named the first national monument by President Roosevelt on September 24, 1906. Devil's Tower was very important to Native American culture. The Devil's Tower managed to become protected from industrialization, preserving an important piece of nature and Native American culture. It is a mark of the first conservationist efforts in the country, as monuments could now begin to be protected by becoming national monuments. -
Roosevelt leaves presidency, visits Africa
After Roosevelt leaves his presidency, he goes on an expedition to Africa, after being outfitted by the Smithsonian Institution. Roosevelt's purpose in his expedition was to collect specimens for the Natural History museum, which the Smithsonian was going to create. He and his crew ultimately collected about 11,400 animal specimens. His crew killed an insane amount of animals, but Roosevelt still considered himself to be a conservationist. Roosevelt wrote a book about his trip after. -
Runs for presidency, unsuccessfully for Bull-Moose Party
Roosevelt unsuccessfully runs for president in The Progressive Party, a third party created by Roosevelt in 1912. Roosevelt made this party after he lost the presidential nomination of the Republican party. Roosevelt's party set itself apart from the other parties by actually being progressive, supporting women's suffrage, etc. However, Roosevelt lost this election, and the Progressive party was eventually revived 12 years later.
