Theodore Roosevelt: A Life Essay, Research Paper

 Theodore Roosevelt: A Life, by Nathan Miller, is an extensive biography of Theodore Roosevelt?s life. Theodore Roosevelt, who was born on October 27, 1858, later went on to become one of the most influential figures of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centaury. In addition to providing an

extremely detailed biography of Roosevelt, Nathan Miller also shows the lifestyles and characteristics of the society in which Theodore was raised.

This book carries much significance for many reasons. First, it may be based on factual instances, but it is not solely ?just the facts.? Theodore Roosevelt: A Life also draws attention to the emotions of the characters and their opinions, not just actions. Second, it provides an accurate image of America during Theodore Roosevelt?s life.

Miller begins by covering the latter part of Theodore Roosevelt Sr.?s life and the events precluding the birth of Teedie, as Theodore was known during his childhood, and his siblings. Theodore was a very sickly child. This is significant as it provides a sense of contrast to the strong powerhouse into

which this ?sickly boy? evolves. Theodore, early in his life, travels with his family to Europe for several years. During his early teens, Theodore returns to his home city of New York. Miller then addresses Theodore?s strong will to self-improve. The

author mentions young Roosevelt?s experiences with weightlifting and other physical exercise in an attempt to ?make his body.? This is a very key section of Theodore?s youth because it demonstrates the power of Roosevelt?s will. As Theodore approached adulthood, he attended Harvard and graduated with prestige. He was introduced to the political scene at an early

age. Theodore Roosevelt also fought in the ?Rough Riders? Probably the most important thing is that Theodore Roosevelt achieved presidency. While there: he implemented the ?Big Stick? diplomacy; he assumed the responsibility of the Panama Canal; and

he won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1906.

Theodore Roosevelt: A Life was written in 1992, although it still accurately reflects the time period in which it takes place. It shows the obvious differences between then and now. An example is using coffee as an old-fashioned cure for asthma.

Another is monopolies and their stranglehold on American society, business, and free trade. This is still a delicate issue even today due to the battle Theodore Roosevelt started a hundred years ago. Also, just because it takes place a centaury ago, does

not mean that everything has changed. The rivalries and feuds still exist among political parties as it has for many years. Nathan Miller also examines this in reference to the struggle with Taft for the position of Republican party candidate.

The central theme conveyed to the reader is most assuredly that one should strive to succeed and always attempt to self-improve. This is probably the biggest credo by which Theodore Roosevelt lived. As a boy, he tried to build up his strength and endurance by exercising. He worked tirelessly at Harvard to

receive high marks. He struggled to have his voice heard politically. Since his father had told him to “make his body” as a child, Roosevelt had pushed himself to the limits to prove himself. When the opportunity to prove himself came in the form

of a war, Roosevelt was entirely involved. Later, he accompanied McKinley, as the vice-president of the United States, and eventually, through the assassination of William McKinley, became president. Theodore Roosevelt was not like Gerald Ford, however.

Roosevelt went on to be reelected based on his popularity and his accomplishments in office. Along with this, he led an active outdoor lifestyle. He would travel constantly to pursue big-game

hunting. He had the confidence to form his own political party to rival Taft. These are all actions of a dedicated and driven man. Roosevelt seemed to live by the notion that ?life was meant to be

lived.? He seemed to squeeze every drop out of his life, attempting not to miss anything.

In a summation, Nathan Miller?s Theodore Roosevelt: A Life is a truthful and accurate depiction of not only one man and his extraordinary life, but also the underlying strength that forced a small, sickly, asthmatic boy into a strong, intelligent and

influential world leader. It was the power of Theodore

Roosevelt?s will that enabled him to do so, and this power may lie within anyone. Theodore Roosevelt: A Life is a strong and detailed biography of an incredible soul.