# Endnotes explained — An Autobiography

> Chapter companion for An Autobiography by Theodore Roosevelt.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Reform and Anti-Corruption

Roosevelt made reform respectable and enforced the 'square deal,' targeting trusts and corporate power.

### Conservation and Natural Resources

The chapter emphasizes Roosevelt's leadership in conserving forests, minerals, and water for future generations.

### Nationalism and American Identity

Roosevelt's actions, such as the fleet's cruise and the Panama Canal, are framed as asserting American strength and global influence.

## Character check-ins

### Theodore Roosevelt

Central figure whose reforms, conservation efforts, and leadership are assessed.

### Woodrow Wilson

Mentioned in the context of political comparison and Roosevelt's surpassing of Bryan's platform.

### William Jennings Bryan

Referenced in a quote comparing Roosevelt's achievements to Bryan's unfulfilled promises.

### Grover Cleveland

Mentioned as a benchmark for Judge George Gray's standing.

### George Gray

Appointed to the Anthracite Strike Commission; quoted praising Roosevelt's handling of the coal strike.

### Robert M. La Follette

Quoted from his magazine assessing Roosevelt's presidency and legacy.

## Key lines

> He has preached from the White House many doctrines; but among them he has left impressed on the American mind the one great truth of economic justice couched in the pithy and stinging phrase 'the square deal.'

Roosevelt used the presidency to promote economic fairness, coining the memorable slogan 'the square deal.'

_Highlights Roosevelt's rhetorical impact on economic justice._

> This globe is the capital stock of the race. It is just so much coal and oil and gas. This may be economized or wasted.

The Earth's resources are finite and must be conserved rather than squandered.

_Reflects Roosevelt's conservationist philosophy._

> What statesman in all history has done anything calling for so wide a view and for a purpose more lofty?

No other statesman has undertaken a mission as broad and noble as Roosevelt's conservation work.

_Praises Roosevelt's visionary approach to resource stewardship._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_autobiography_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters