Historical Figure
Theodore Roosevelt
1858–1944
President of the United States from 1901 to 1909
Hear Their Voice
Original recordings and AI voice
"Social and Industrial Justice" — 1912
Generated by Today in History
Talk to Theodore Roosevelt
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Key Dates
Birth
1858 October 27, 1858 →Death
1944 July 12, 1944 →Biography
Theodore Roosevelt Jr., also known as Teddy or T. R., was the 26th president of the United States, serving from 1901 to 1909. Roosevelt previously was involved in New York politics, including serving as the state's 33rd governor for two years. He served as the 25th vice president under President William McKinley for six months in 1901, assuming the presidency after McKinley's assassination. As president, Roosevelt emerged as a leader of the Republican Party and became a driving force for anti-trust and Progressive Era policies.
Timeline
26th President of the United States, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (d. 1919)
October 27 →Vice President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt utters the famous phrase, "Speak softly and carry a big stick" at the Minnesota State Fair.
September 2 →President of the United States William McKinley dies after an assassination attempt on September 6, and is succeeded by Theodore Roosevelt.
September 14 →President Theodore Roosevelt officially renames the "Executive Mansion" to the White House.
October 12 →US President Theodore Roosevelt delivers a 20,000-word speech to the House of Representatives asking the Congress to curb the power of trusts "within reasonable limits".
December 3 →With the encouragement of the United States, Panama proclaims itself independent from Colombia. US President Theodore Roosevelt had wanted the United States to build the Panama Canal, but was not willing to pay what Colombia asked.
November 3 →Russo-Japanese War: In New Hampshire, United States, the Treaty of Portsmouth, mediated by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, ends the war.
September 5 →U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt proclaims Devils Tower in Wyoming as the nation's first National Monument.
September 24 →Theodore Roosevelt is the first sitting President of the United States to make an official trip outside the country. He did so to inspect progress on the Panama Canal.
November 9 →Former President Theodore Roosevelt becomes the first U.S. president to fly in an airplane. He flew for four minutes with Arch Hoxsey in a plane built by the Wright brothers at Kinloch Field (Lambert-St. Louis International Airport), St. Louis, Missouri.
October 11 →While campaigning in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, former president Theodore Roosevelt is shot by saloonkeeper John Schrank. With a fresh flesh wound and the bullet still in him, Roosevelt still delivers his scheduled speech.
October 14 →More from the Victorian Era
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Theodore Roosevelt's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.