An Autobiography · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for An Autobiography by Theodore Roosevelt.
Chapter 1
Frontispiece
The frontispiece features a portrait of President Theodore Roosevelt, painted by P. Lazlo.
Chapter 2
An Autobiography
The opening chapter of Theodore Roosevelt's autobiography, introducing his early life, family heritage, and the formative experiences that shaped his character and public service career.
Chapter 3
Boyhood and Youth
Theodore Roosevelt recounts his early childhood, family life, and the formative influences of his parents, particularly his father's discipline and moral guidance. He describes his love for natural history, reading adventures by Mayne Reid and others, and the joyful traditions of Christmas and Thanksgiving. The chapter also touches on his mother's Southern heritage, the Civil War's impact on his family, and his early education through stories and lessons.
Chapter 4
II: The Vigor of Life
Roosevelt distinguishes between two types of success: the extraordinary, innate ability of a rare few, and the more common success achieved through hard work, perseverance, and self-discipline. He describes his own struggles to overcome physical weakness and fear through relentless training, sharing anecdotes of boxing, riding, hunting, and walking. The chapter emphasizes the importance of physical vigor and the cultivation of courage, culminating in his efforts as President to improve the physical fitness of army officers.
Chapter 5
Practical Politics
Roosevelt reflects on his early political career in the New York Legislature, emphasizing the need to combine decency with efficiency, the importance of personal character and initiative, and the lessons learned from navigating political factions, corruption, and demagoguery. He recounts humorous anecdotes and serious struggles, underscoring the necessity of clean conduct, practical idealism, and collective action in public service.
Chapter 6
In Cowboy Land
Theodore Roosevelt recounts his experiences in the Dakota Territory in 1883, where he invested in cattle ranches at Chimney Butte and Elkhorn. He describes the harsh yet exhilarating life of the Wild West—roundups, stampedes, blizzards, and the camaraderie of cowboys. He reflects on the inevitable decline of the open range as homesteaders arrived, and shares anecdotes of frontier characters, Indian encounters, and the rough justice of the plains.
Chapter 7
Applied Idealism
Roosevelt reflects on his tenure as Civil Service Commissioner, detailing the struggle against the spoils system and the implementation of competitive examinations. He includes a poignant letter from a woman who sacrificed intellectual growth for family duty, illustrating the practical challenges of idealism in everyday life.
Chapter 8
VI: The New York Police
Roosevelt recounts his appointment as Police Commissioner of New York City in 1895 under Mayor Strong, his collaboration with Jacob Riis to reform the police force and improve conditions for the poor, and the challenges of overcoming political corruption and a flawed governance structure. He details the successful efforts to increase police honesty and efficiency, emphasizing the importance of rewarding bravery and maintaining discipline.
Chapter 9
VII: The War of America the Unready
Roosevelt recounts the lead-up to the Spanish-American War, focusing on the Navy Department's preparations, the selection of Dewey to command the Asiatic squadron, and the broader national failure to maintain military preparedness. He criticizes the combination of bluster and weakness in American policy, describes the gradual improvement of the Navy, and reflects on the lessons learned from the war.
Chapter 10
Appendix A: The Trusts, the People, and the Square Deal
Roosevelt defends his administration's approach to trusts, arguing that the antitrust law alone is insufficient and that government must regulate big business through a commission or board, rather than relying solely on litigation. He criticizes the suit against the Steel Corporation, defends his own actions regarding the Tennessee Coal and Iron Company, and condemns the Tobacco Trust's immoral practices while calling for stricter supervision.
Chapter 11
Appendix B: The Control of Corporations and 'The New Freedom'
In this appendix, Theodore Roosevelt responds to President Woodrow Wilson's attacks on the Progressive Party's trust policy. Roosevelt challenges Wilson's misstatements, defends his own record on trusts, and argues that Wilson's promises to break up all big corporations are impractical and would lead to disaster. He calls on Wilson to fulfill his campaign pledges now that he is in office.
Chapter 12
VIII: The New York Governorship
Roosevelt reflects on his term as Governor of New York, detailing his conflicts with Senator Platt and the political machine, his fight for the franchise tax bill, and the growing divide between reform-minded Republicans and corporate interests. He describes the boss system, the opposition from wealthy and cultured elites to economic reforms, and his commitment to balancing justice for labor and capital.
Chapter 13
Appendix A: The Trusts, the People, and the Square Deal
Roosevelt defends his administration's approach to trusts, arguing that the antitrust law alone is insufficient and that government must regulate big business through a commission or board, rather than relying solely on litigation. He criticizes the suit against the Steel Corporation, defends his own actions regarding the Tennessee Coal and Iron Company, and condemns the Tobacco Trust's immoral practices while calling for stricter supervision.
Chapter 14
Appendix B: The Control of Corporations and 'The New Freedom'
In this appendix, Theodore Roosevelt responds to President Woodrow Wilson's attacks on the Progressive Party's trust policy. Roosevelt challenges Wilson's misstatements, defends his own record on trusts, and argues that Wilson's promises to break up all big corporations are impractical and would lead to disaster. He calls on Wilson to fulfill his campaign pledges now that he is in office.
Chapter 15
IX: Outdoors and Indoors
Roosevelt reflects on the harmonious relationship between a love of books and a love of the outdoors, describing the natural beauty and family life at Sagamore Hill. He shares anecdotes about his children, the family's interactions with navy personnel, and the meaningful gifts and mementos that fill his home, emphasizing the value of family, simplicity, and the joy found in everyday experiences.
Chapter 16
The Presidency; Making an Old Party Progressive
Roosevelt reflects on his presidency, emphasizing his belief in an expansive executive power limited only by the Constitution and Congress, his commitment to public service and democracy, and his approach to foreign and domestic policy. He contrasts his own 'Lincoln-Jackson' view of presidential authority with the 'Buchanan-Taft' view, and discusses his dealings with Congress, appointments, and the opposition from Wall Street and political bosses. He also highlights the work of diplomats like Henry White and the influence of John Hay.
Chapter 17
The Natural Resources of the Nation
Roosevelt details his administration's pioneering efforts in conservation, focusing on the preservation of forests, reclamation of arid lands, and the broader conservation movement. He highlights the key roles of Gifford Pinchot, F. H. Newell, and others, and describes the creation of the Inland Waterways Commission, the Country Life Commission, and the historic Conference of Governors.
Chapter 18
The Big Stick and the Square Deal
Roosevelt discusses his approach to regulating large corporations, advocating for a strong federal government to control monopolies and protect the public interest. He contrasts his philosophy with the laissez-faire individualism of the past, details the creation of the Department of Commerce and Labor and the Bureau of Corporations, and condemns the corrupt influence of big business, particularly the Standard Oil Company, on politics and the judiciary.
Chapter 19
Social and Industrial Justice
Roosevelt describes his efforts to use the federal government to improve labor conditions, including enforcing the eight-hour law, passing safety and compensation laws, and mediating disputes between railroads and workers. He emphasizes the need to treat both union and nonunion workers equally, and distinguishes his reformist approach from Marxist socialism.
Chapter 20
Appendix A: The Trusts, the People, and the Square Deal
Roosevelt defends his administration's approach to trusts, arguing that the antitrust law alone is insufficient and that government must regulate big business through a commission or board, rather than relying solely on litigation. He criticizes the suit against the Steel Corporation, defends his own actions regarding the Tennessee Coal and Iron Company, and condemns the Tobacco Trust's immoral practices while calling for stricter supervision.
Chapter 21
The Monroe Doctrine and the Panama Canal
Roosevelt discusses the application of the Monroe Doctrine and the United States' role in international affairs, focusing on the Philippines, Santo Domingo, and the Panama Canal. He justifies the U.S. intervention in Panama, criticizing Colombia's refusal to ratify the canal treaty and defending the recognition of Panama's independence as a necessary and moral action to secure the canal's construction.
Chapter 22
Appendix A: The Trusts, the People, and the Square Deal
Roosevelt defends his administration's approach to trusts, arguing that the antitrust law alone is insufficient and that government must regulate big business through a commission or board, rather than relying solely on litigation. He criticizes the suit against the Steel Corporation, defends his own actions regarding the Tennessee Coal and Iron Company, and condemns the Tobacco Trust's immoral practices while calling for stricter supervision.
Chapter 23
The Peace of Righteousness
Roosevelt reflects on the Portsmouth Peace Conference and his philosophy that peace must serve righteousness, not be an end in itself. He defends his actions against critics, discusses the voyage of the battle fleet around the world as a key peace and naval achievement, and emphasizes the importance of strength and preparedness in international relations.
Chapter 24
Appendix A: The Trusts, the People, and the Square Deal
Roosevelt defends his administration's approach to trusts, arguing that the antitrust law alone is insufficient and that government must regulate big business through a commission or board, rather than relying solely on litigation. He criticizes the suit against the Steel Corporation, defends his own actions regarding the Tennessee Coal and Iron Company, and condemns the Tobacco Trust's immoral practices while calling for stricter supervision.
Chapter 25
Appendix B: The Control of Corporations and 'The New Freedom'
In this appendix, Theodore Roosevelt responds to President Woodrow Wilson's attacks on the Progressive Party's trust policy. Roosevelt challenges Wilson's misstatements, defends his own record on trusts, and argues that Wilson's promises to break up all big corporations are impractical and would lead to disaster. He calls on Wilson to fulfill his campaign pledges now that he is in office.
Chapter 26
Appendix C: The Blaine Campaign
Roosevelt corrects a false account from J. Henry Harper's book regarding his actions and conversations after the 1884 Republican convention, clarifying that he did not travel with George William Curtis, never considered opposing Blaine's nomination, and had already resolved with Senator Lodge to support Blaine if fairly nominated.
Chapter 27
Endnotes
The chapter reflects on Theodore Roosevelt's legacy, highlighting his role in making reform respectable, championing the 'square deal,' and leading the conservation movement. It includes commentary from contemporaries and discusses his major achievements such as the Panama Canal, the Peace of Portsmouth, and the fleet's global cruise.
Chapter 28
List of Illustrations
This chapter provides a list of illustrations depicting key moments and portraits from Theodore Roosevelt's life, including his presidency, his time as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, his role as Colonel of the Rough Riders, his governorship, and various portraits.
