SUGGESTIONS INTENDED TO HELP THE PUPIL
The Leading Facts. 1. Though the son of a rich man, Roosevelt even as a boy was most democratic. 2. In the Roosevelt home idleness, selfishness, and cowardice were unknown. 3. In college Roosevelt was a good student and a genuine sportsman. 4. In spite of the jeers of his rich friends Roosevelt started on a political career by joining the 21st District Republican Association of New York City. 5. Roosevelt was elected three times to the New York Assembly. 6. In 1886 he was nominated for mayor of New York City, but he lost. 7. In 1895 he was appointed police commissioner for New York City. 8. Under President McKinley he was chosen Assistant Secretary of the Navy. 9. During the Spanish-American War he organized the Rough Riders and led them to victory. 10. On his return from war he was elected governor of New York. 11. In 1900 he was elected Vice-President and on the death of President McKinley six months later became President. 12. In 1904 he was reëlected. 13. After he retired from the presidency he traveled in Africa, Europe, and South America. 14. Although nominated for President in the campaign of 1912, he was defeated by Woodrow Wilson. 15. At the beginning of the World War, Roosevelt opposed neutrality and advocated preparedness. 16. Four of his sons took an active part in the war. 17. In January, 1919, Roosevelt died. 18. Taft had been governor of the Philippines before becoming President. 19. Both during his administration and afterward he was an earnest advocate of peace.
Study Questions. 1. Describe Roosevelt's boyhood. 2. What influence did his family life have on his character? 3. Show how Roosevelt's character was revealed by the boxing bout. 4. What sort of a young man was he during his college days? 5. What was his first political experience and what did he learn from it? 6. What did Roosevelt accomplish as head of the Police Board? as Assistant Secretary of the Navy? 7. Explain his connection with the Rough Riders. 8. Tell how Roosevelt came to be President and what he accomplished in that office. 9. What was Roosevelt's political nickname and why was it given to him? 10. Relate his activities from the time he retired from the presidency to 1914. 11. Tell what was his attitude toward the World War and the part he played in it. 12. What become of the treaties Taft supported? 13. Tell of some good laws passed while he was President. 14. What did Taft do at the close of his administration?
Suggested Readings. Roosevelt: Hagedorn, Boys' Life of Theodore Roosevelt; Morgan, Theodore Roosevelt, the Boy and the Man; Hale, A Week in the White House with Theodore Roosevelt; Riis, Theodore Roosevelt, the Citizen.