The Life of Theodore Roosevelelt

Danielle Tarantino

Roosevelt

A. President and Vice-President full name with Birth and Death Dates

Theodore Roosevelt

October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919

Charles Warren Fairbanks

May 11, 1852 – June 4, 1918

B. Education / Occupation / Military Service

Theodore Roosevelt was a Harvard graduate, who earned his law degree at Columbia University in New York. He got his early start in Republican politics when he was elected tot eh New York State Assembly, but quickly left politics to return to nature, a great outdoorsmen and wildlife activist. He spent time in the badlands of the Dakotas following the death of his wife, before returning to New York politics and remarrying. He served on the US Civil Service Commission, which appealed to his interest in reform, and did his action during his tenure as president of the New York City Police Board. He also served during the Spanish American war, as head of the famous "Rough Riders" and then as Assistant Secretary of Navy. His service there led him to run and win the seat of Governor of New York. His progressive politics scared away a great deal of conservative republicans, who were worried when he was place on McKinely's ticket as Vice President, but many party leaders reasoned he would do the least damage as Vice President. Unfortunately, they did not anticipation McKinley's assassination in 1901, and his ascent to the presidency.

C. Significant Cabinet members or people in their administration

• Charles W Fairbanks was Roosevelt's Vice President, and running mate during the 1904 election. During his eight years in the U.S. Senate, Fairbanks served as a key adviser to McKinley during the Spanish-American War and was also the Chairman of the Committee on Immigration and the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds.

• John Hay's contributions included the adoption of an Open Door Policy in China which may have been a contributing factor in the Boxer Rebellion, and the preparations for the Panama Canal. He negotiated the Hay–Pauncefote Treaty, the Hay–Herran Treaty and the Hay–Bunau Varilla Treaty, all of which were instrumental in clearing the way for the construction and use of the Canal. In all, he brought about more than 50 treaties.

• Elihu Root reformed the organization of the War Department. He was responsible for enlarging West Point and establishing the U.S. Army War College as well as the General Staff. He was concerned about the new territories acquired after the Spanish-American War and worked out the procedures for turning Cuba over to the Cubans, wrote the charter of government