=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_.