HEROES & LEADERS

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

1858-1919 UNITED STATES

Born into wealth, Theodore Roosevelt was the son of a New York City philanthropist. He overcame childhood ill health and entered politics while in his 20s. Roosevelt served in the New York state assembly and was later appointed assistant secretary of the Navy. He also served as governor of New York, vice president, and 26th president of the United States at the age of 43.

Roosevelt pushed for the expulsion of Spain from Cuba, and in his naval role advocated the build-up of a fleet that rivalled the world’s most powerful. With the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, he resigned from his