Theodore Roosevelt was born on October 27, 1858 in present day Gramercy, Manhattan. He was a very active child and goes on to be active in his later days. He was governor of New York, Vice President of the United States and the 26th President of the United States. Roosevelt changed the course of American history before he became governor, VP, and President of the United States. Roosevelt, along with Leonard Wood, recruited cowboys and friends to form the first United States voluntary cavalry regiment. These men were known as the “Rough Riders.” Roosevelt led the “Rough Riders” to victory on top of San Juan Hill, during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Because of all Roosevelt did during the war, he became a national hero to the Americans.

Roosevelt formed the “Rough Riders” in order to help the United States’ war in Cuba. He was also very eager to see American men in action and see how they perform. Roosevelt was motivated by his passion to lead and train. Prior to forming the “Rough Riders,” Roosevelt was a Secretary of the Navy and he prepared and trained men for the Spanish-American War. He was very passionate about his duty and job to train the soldiers and so he decided he would start his own regiment and see them in action.

If Theodore Roosevelt were in class today, first I would ask him how it felt to lead those men to the top of San Juan Hill?

Second, I would like to ask him what what made him jump into politics shortly after the Spanish-American War?