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TR the Rough Rider at San Juan Hill
The Battle of San Juan Hill, fought on June 24, 1898, marked a pivotal moment in the Spanish-American War. The 1st Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, led by Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, captured the strategic hill, The Rough Riders, a nickname given to the regiment due to their rugged and unconventional nature, fought bravely and suffered significant casualties but resulting in the surrender of Spanish forces and establishing Roosevelt's reputation as a courageous leader. -
TR first time named President
Theodore Roosevelt's assumption of the presidency in 1901 after the assassination of President William McKinley. Roosevelt who was VP, was sworn in as the 26th President of the United States. This event marked the beginning of Roosevelt's presidency, which would have a significant impact on American politics and society. As Roosevelt would later implement progressive reforms, trust-bust, and establish the United States as a global power, earning the nickname "Theodore the Great". -
Coal Strike
The coal strike of 1902 was a labor dispute caused by miners demanding better pay and working conditions. The strike lasted for about five months and significant effects on the country as it led to coal shortages, higher prices, and highlighted the power of organized labor. President Roosevelt intervened and helped negotiate a compromise, resulting in the miners receiving a wage increase and reduced work hours. It marked a turning point in labor policy and marked the path for future reforms. -
National Reclamation Act
The 1902 Newlands Reclamation Act funded irrigation projects in 20 American West states. It set aside money from sales of semi-arid public lands for construction and maintenance of irrigation projects and led to damming major western rivers. The Act also created the United States Bureau of Reclamation. The Act allowed for the development of extensive agriculture and settlement in the West but also had significant environmental impacts including disruption and destruction of riparian ecosystems. -
Elkins Act Passed
The Elkins Act was passed in 1903 to amend the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887. The act made it illegal for railroads to offer rebates to shippers, which had become a common practice that led to corruption and unfair competition. It allowed the Interstate Commerce Commission (IC) to impose heavy fines on railroads that offered rebates. The act was significant because it expanded the power of the federal government to regulate trade and marked a turning point in the Progressive Era. -
TR and the Northern Securities Case
The Northern Securities Company formed in 1901 to control the Northern Pacific Railway, Great Northern Railway, and other associated lines was sued in 1902 by the Justice Department under President Theodore Roosevelt for violating the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. The gov’t won the case in 1904 and the company was dissolved, allowing the three railroads to operate independently again. This case was one of the earliest antitrust cases and provided important legal precedents for many later cases. -
Wins first full term as President
The 1904 presidential election, Theodore Roosevelt won, defeating Democratic nominee Alton B. Parker. This made Roosevelt the youngest president to be elected. His success was due to his progressive policies, foreign policy achievements and his personal popularity. The election marked a shift in American politics, solidifying Roosevelt's leadership and progressive reforms. Roosevelt won 336 electoral votes to Parker's 140, and received over 300 electoral votes, a first in presidential history. -
Yosemite under Federal Control
In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the American Antiquities Act which transferred Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove back under federal protection and control. This was due to concerns about commercialization, overgrazing and logging in the area. The move was also influenced by the efforts of naturalist John Muir who had been advocating for Increased protections for Yosemite. The transfer to federal control marked a significant shift in the management and protection of Yosemite. -
Passage of Pure Food And Drug Act
The Pure Food and Drug Act was passed on June 30, 1906, prohibiting the manufacture, sale or transportation of poisonous patent medicines and regulating food and drugs. The Act arose due to public education and exposes from public interest guardians such as Upton Sinclair and Samuel Hopkins Adams, and President Theodore Roosevelt. The 1906 Act paved the way for the eventual creation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is generally considered to be that agency's founding date. -
Meat Inspection Act
The Meat Inspection Act of 1906 was a U.S. legislation signed by President Theodore Roosevelt on June 30, 1906.This law prohibited the sale of adulterated or misbranded livestock and derived products as food, ensuring that livestock were slaughtered and processed under sanitary conditions. The law reformed the meatpacking industry, mandating that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspect meat before and after processed for human consumption. -
Leaves presidency, visits Africa
In 1909, Theodore Roosevelt, went on the Smithsonian-Roosevelt African Expedition, 10-month hunting and collecting. The expedition aimed to collect specimens for the National Museum of Natural History. Roosevelt and those who accompanied collected over 23,000 specimens. The expedition had political and social aspects as Roosevelt met with local leaders. This event shows Roosevelt's passion for conservation and natural history while also indicating his controversial views on race and colonialism. -
TR Runs for presidency in Bull-Moose Party
In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt runs for president again as the Progressive Party, also known as the Bull-Moose Party, a party formed after losing the Republican nomination Taft. His campaign, marked by progressive policies like women's suffrage and business regulation. His campaign had a significant impact on American politics, as it split the Republican vote and led to the election of Democrat Woodrow Wilson. It shaped future third parties for progressive reforms in the United States.