Heroes and leaders
Military, political and social leaders burnished their reputations and influenced the course of history both during and after the Spanish-american War
Journalists, generals and future presidents made their name in this brief conflict
THEODORE ROOSEVELT 1858-1919 UNITED STATES
Born into wealth, Theodore Roosevelt was the son of a New York City philanthropist. He overcame childhood ill health and entered politics while in his 20s. Roosevelt served in the New York state assembly and was later appointed assistant secretary of the Navy. He also served as governor of New York, vice president, and 26th president of the United States at the age of 43.
Roosevelt pushed for the expulsion of Spain from Cuba, and in his naval role advocated the build-up of a fleet that rivalled the world’s most powerful. With the outbreak of the Spanish-american War, he resigned from his naval post to raise a regiment of troops. Intent on experiencing combat, Roosevelt was instrumental in the formation of the First US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, popularly known as the ‘Rough Riders’.
During the engagement at San Juan Heights, Roosevelt led the charge of the Rough Riders up Kettle Hill. Along with other troops, including black soldiers, the Rough Riders swept the enemy from the crest. Roosevelt exhibited tremendous courage during the battle and commented that the “charge itself was great fun… we had a bully fight.”
In the wake of his heroics Roosevelt was recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor; however, to his great disappointment it was blocked by political opponents. Nevertheless, he returned to the United States a bona fide war hero, which energised his political career and propelled him to the governorship of New York. He later served as vice president during the administration of President William Mckinley. He assumed the presidency upon Mckinley’s assassination in 1901, and was elected to the office in his own right in 1904.
Theodore Roosevelt is remembered as the foremost figure of the Spanishamerican War, a political reformer, adventurer, explorer, naturalist and preservationist. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2001. His legacy is still remembered today: he was given the honour of being enshrined on Mount Rushmore alongside American icons George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln.