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Theodore Roosevelt Is Born
Theodore Roosevelt entered the world on October 27, 1858, in New York City. Although he was born into privilege, he faced early health challenges that he combated through strenuous physical exercise and outdoor adventures. Later in life, he became the 26th president of the United States and played a significant role in promoting progressive reform and conservation initiatives. -
McKinley Is Assassinated: Roosevelt Is Named President
President William McKinley was shot on September 6, 1901, and later died from complications following this assassination. He was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz while attending an event in New York. After his death, Roosevelt, who was serving as vice president at the time, was sworn in as the 26th president of the United States. At 42, Roosevelt became the youngest person to assume the U.S. presidency. -
Energy Crisis- Anthracite Coal Strike
It lasted from May 12, 1902- October 23, 1902. It was a major labor argument between roughly 147,000 coal miners, organized by the United Mine Workers of America, and the anthracite coal companies in eastern Pennsylvania. President Roosevelt intervened, making him the first U.S. president to act as a mediator in a labor dispute. He brought both sides to a negotiation and after months of tension, he helped broker a deal that resulted in a 10% wage increase and reduced work hours. -
Pelican Island, Florida; First Named National Wildlife Refuge
The inaugural National Wildlife Refuge was designated by Theodore Roosevelt. This marked a significant achievement, as Roosevelt, an avid environmental advocate, sought to safeguard wildlife from growing development and excessive use of natural resources. Situated in the Indian River Lagoon, Pelican Island is a small mangrove island that provides a habitat for diverse bird species and other wildlife. Roosevelt issued an executive order to establish Pelican Island as a federally protected area. -
The Elkins Act Passed
The Elkins Act was passed in the United States. It was a federal law that tried to strengthen the Interstate Commerce Commission's (ICC) regulatory power by targeting unfair railroad practices, mainly rebate use. This act was part of President Theodore Roosevelt’s wider effort to regulate big businesses and curb monopolistic practices. -
Roosevelt Wins First Full Term As President
Theodore Roosevelt won his first full term as president on November 8, 1904. After assuming the presidency in September 1901, he sought election in his own right as the Republican candidate. He campaigned on a platform of progressive reforms and won decisively against Democratic nominee Alton B. Parker. -
Yosemite Under Federal Control
In June of 1906, President Roosevelt approved California's recession of the Yosemite Valley Grant and the Mariposa Big Tree Grove by signing the Yosemite Recession Bill, a Joint Resolution. This action placed these areas under federal protection, effectively integrating them into Yosemite National Park. -
The Pure Food And Drug Act Is Passed
This law aimed to regulate the production and sale of food and medicines in the United States, guaranteeing they were correctly labeled and free of harmful substances. It did not allow the sale of misbranded foods and medicines, and it required that active ingredients be listed on the packaging. President Roosevelt championed its passage as part of his wider plan for progressive reforms, as he was inspired by Upton Sinclair’s book “The Jungle” to look into passing this law along. -
Devil's Tower
Devil's Tower is a geological feature in northeastern Wyoming, USA. It is a massive igneous rock that rises about 386 meters above the surrounding terrain. The tower holds cultural importance for the Native American tribes, who consider it a sacred site. Devil’s Tower was designated as the first national monument in the United States by President Theodore. -
Leaves Presidency, Visits Africa
President Roosevelt only served 2 terms before leaving office in March of 1909. Shortly after his departure, he went on a year-long safari to Africa, funded by the Smithsonian Institution and National Geographic Society. His safari aimed to collect specimens for the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum. Roosevelt and his team gathered thousands of specimens which contributed significantly to scientific research and natural history collections. -
Runs For Presidency; Forms Bull Moose Party.
In the 1912 election, Theodore Roosevelt ran as the Progressive Party candidate after splitting from the Republicans. Despite receiving more votes than Taft, he came in second to Democrat Woodrow Wilson. His candidacy split the Republican vote and helped Wilson win. He is also credited with forming the Bull Moose Party.