His father sat out the Civil War, to do good, but it still irked TR years later (his pugnacity)

Grew up sickly yet with unbounded energy. Didn’t want to waste a moment of the day.

Loved science and almost went that way but Alice changed him.

Time as Assemblyman (at 23!) gave him first distaste of corruption in politics and its entanglement with business.

After his resolution to investigate Gould and judge for corruption, a woman tried to get him to come with her where men were waiting.

Best-selling book in college, minority leader of House by 24.

Always underestimated or counted out because of sickness, size, age, etc, so he always had to fight for what he wanted.

Alice died at 22 after childbirth, Mittie at 50. TR erased Alice from his life and memory.

Went out West to set up cattle shop in Badlands while also visiting 1884 campaign. Republicans lost, but good for TR because he avoided the cesspool.

Built Sagamore Hill after coming back from West strong and tanned, etc.

Almost got into a duel with pseudo-rival Marquis de Mores; also got into a solo skirmish with some Indians.

Three thieves stole his boat so TR pursued in the cold of winter and got them and brought them to justice rather than killing them (also read Tolstoy during journey).

Traveled back and forth between Dakota and NYC constantly.

Wrote biography of Sen. Thomas Benton at 27.

He disapproved of second marriages in spite of his own.

In his time out West, TR learned to live with “lower” people and found he commanded respect even as a bespectacled “superior being.”

By late 1880s, Badlands were devoid of big game; sparked a new desire for preservation. Boone & Crockett Club he started first of its kind to emphasize preservation and exploration.

Withdrew from politics in 1888 to write a lot.

In 1892 he fetched Elliott the alcoholic derelict from Europe and set him on the sober path, but Elliott’s wife Anne died soon after, then Elliott after relapse.

TR “was” America: “grew into maturity after the Civil War, marshaled its resources at Chicago [for World’s Fair], and exploded into world power at the turn of the century.”

Wanted inferior savages to be civilized so they could challenge the white man in whatever field.

Continued to have money problems through 1894 Panic.

Friends with Lincoln Steffens and Jacob Riis.

Went on night patrols as police commissioner in NYC to shape up cops; met poor people along the way.

As assistant secretary of Navy he helped build up naval force in anticipation of war but as a means of peace.

Got together Rough Riders; mix of cowboys and city folk, and had essentially two major battles in Cuba; became a hero.

Didn’t want VP slot but eventually bowed to popular will.

Was VP technically for only four legislative days.