Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt, from The Strenuous Life (1900)

Theodore Roosevelt wrote a book titled “The Strenuous Life: Essays and Addresses”, the document is excerpt from one of his essays which wasdelivered as a speech in 1899 after being elected as governor of New York. Roosevelt believes if the United States is going to continue expansion we must often use military force to acquire territories.Wars will need to be fought at times to help others that can’t help themselves. Roosevelt stresses that even though we had to battle Spain, to cede the Philippines we did it for the well being of theisland. He explains that our first duties are to ourselves as a nation, we strive for honest government, honest creditors, and civic duties. He says, “We set our own household in order that doesn’texcuse us from playing our part in the great affairs of the world”.
Roosevelt describes how the Philippines have many problems that it would be cowardly for such a powerful nation to turn its backknowing they need of our help. Explaining how many of the people there are unfit to be self-governed. We must supervise them and help them learn to govern their own country. What good does it do thatwe released them from the tyranny of Spain if they are only going to fall victims of their own undoing. Roosevelt believes that the uplifting of mankind depends greatly on our effort to help protectand rebuild administrations in other countries and territories.
Roosevelt goes on to explain that we must work in good faith, honesty and hold the utmost courage in showing the world that we willnot stand for resistance. Sending the most able men to do the job is of the most importance. We will only send men of good principles, morals, physical health and of honest but firm judgment to be ableto accomplish what needs to be done. Roosevelt goes on the say that we will never call a truce or even hesitate on using military force when we see fit, “we must establish the supremacy of our...