Went on African safari after presidency, collecting hides and other stuff for Smithsonian.
Believed illness, fear, self-doubt, and grief were weaknesses.
Indifferent to religion and non-nature-based spirituality.
Met with Wilhelm II and his friends, but foresaw war.
Worshipped and well-wished with steerage on ship back to the states.
Return to politics/advocacy in 1910 generally a failure.
Discussed with LaFollette his skepticism of the recall, referendum, initiative additions in 1911.
Wanted less prosecution and more regulation: not advocating socialism merely wanted democratic government and moral economy.
Was realistic about his chances in 1912 but went for it anyway. Wanted to “rescue the reform” programs Taft had screwed up; also saw not running as cowardice.
Needed to appeal to populist, non-establishment Republicans to win.
Despite outward demeanor, didn’t enjoy campaigning in 1912.
Continually accused of being drunk because of his effulgence.
Was very tired and worn when shot and shouldn’t have been there. Showed crowd his wounded chest, spoke for 80 minutes.
Big money troubles after campaign, with wedding and libel suit.
Won the libel suit with help from his famous friend witnesses.
Troilus story: “Life is short—let us spend it together.”
Got rid of Father Zahn on Amazon expedition for proselytizing too much.
Got abscesses, dysentery, and malaria yet survived.
Felt neutered and useless as public voice when war broke out.
Each of the World War I belligerents thought they had TR’s support.
Volunteered to command brigade cavalry in war.
Had a few surgeries for abscesses stemming from Cuban and Brazilian fevers.
Quentin died in a place battle, but the other brothers were promoted and highly decorated.
Health got steadily worse as the war winded down.
Criticism: more interested in fighting for fighting’s sake than for any cause.
Man of action and war who “scoffed” at philosophical scruples.
TR Jr. fought on Utah Beach on D-Day and got Medal of Honor.
Kermit slowly devolved into drink and killed himself in 1943.
Archie fought in the Pacific but postwar turned paranoid and rebelled against the family name.