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Theodore Roosevelt's History of the United States
“A splendid piece of work.” — Edmund Morris
In a unique project, author Daniel Ruddy has carefully extracted Teddy Roosevelt’s most relevant and telling comments—from letters, books, speeches, and other sources—and organized them to form a fairly full, always colorful, and highly opinionated history of the United States up to 1919 (the year TR died). With a preface by Theodore Rex author Edmund Morris.
In a unique project, author Daniel Ruddy has carefully extracted Teddy Roosevelt’s most relevant and telling comments—from letters, books, speeches, and other sources—and organized them to form a fairly full, always colorful, and highly opinionated history of the United States up to 1919 (the year TR died). With a preface by Theodore Rex author Edmund Morris.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2010
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263 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Ruddy
2 books12 followersDaniel Ruddy holds a master's degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics. His first book, "Theodore Roosevelt's History of the United States," is the definitive account of TR's bold and candid opinions of America's past. His latest book, "Theodore the Great: Conservative Crusader," is published by Regnery and will be released on August 29th, 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 12, 2013
Ah, Teddy! NOW I recall why you're my favorite Roosevelt--so much more interesting than that namby pamby Franklin. Your righteous indignation at the passivity of others--to what sort of pastry did you compare ole McKinley's backbone? A chocolate éclair, yes?--and nonchalant insults (I will henceforth remember Thomas Paine as 'that filthy little atheist') amused me heartily, though I confess some of the time I didn't know what the hell was going on. Your enthusiasm for life in general was wondrous to behold, you brilliant, brilliant man. I wish we could chat, I truly do, though I fear you'd think me frightfully lazy. Anyway, thank you, thank you, it was a riot, Teddy, old sport. Till next time.
December 31, 2021
Enjoyable read. Ruddy essentially pieces together different sections of TR's writings in which he gives his perspective on various topics in American history.
TR lists George Washington and Abraham Lincoln as the greatest Americans who had yet lived. He also gives high praise to Alexander Hamilton and Andrew Jackson. TR is quite critical of Thomas Jefferson, who was "not even excepting Buchanan, the most incompetent chief executive we ever had." (86) He is also highly critical of James Madison, James Monroe, all of the presidents between Jackson and Lincoln (except Zachary Taylor), Taft, and Woodrow Wilson. TR places Jefferson Davis (rightly, in my opinion) on almost the same level with Benedict Arnold.
TR doesn't speak much about religion, but when he does, his views reflect classical theological liberalism (pp. 34, 273).
Of those who attempt to put Lee on the same level with Washington: "Washington was not only a general, but a great constructive statesman. The salient difference between Washington and Lee ought to be apparent to even the dimmest vision. The one succeeded in building up the mighty structure which the other failed in trying to tear down. To compare Lee to Washington . . . is absurd." (39)
On the Civil War, "There never was a war in which the right was so wholly on one side, and yet that there never yet was a war in which the wrong side believed so absolutely that it was fighting for righteousness and justice." (176)
The entire chapter on Lincoln was excellent (180-188).
TR was quite progressive in his views on race in his day: "The only wise and honorable and Christian thing to do is to treat each black man and each white man strictly on his merits as a man, giving him no more and no less than he shows himself worthy to have." (275)
TR opposed socialist efforts in his day: "I never will accept the ultra-socialistic doctrine that there must be equality of reward for inequality of work. The most cruel form of injustice that can be devised would be to give a man who has not earned it the reward that ought to come only to the man who has earned it." (293)
TR's comments on the future of Japan, Russia, and Germany are nearly prophetic. He believed the German race "will play a great part in the present century." He believed that the English speaking race could cooperate well with the Slav civilization, "provided she [Russia] did not interfere elsewhere" (298), which, of course, she did. He then said that Russia "will sometime experience a red terror which will make the French Revolution pale." (299)
Regarding Japan, "The Japs have been very cocky since the war with Russia, but they will hesitate to molest us as long as we carry a big stick. . . . The security of the throne will depend upon some sensational war, and the Japanese politician is not without daring to try one. When it comes we will win over Japan but it will be one of the most disastrous conflicts the world has ever seen. . . . . I sometimes question whether anything but a great military disaster will ever make us feel our responsibilities and our possible dangers. . . . I have urged as strongly as I know how the immediate building of impregnable fortifications to protect Pearl Harbor and the adjacent region from any possible land attack. It seems to me that the determining factor in any war with Japan would be the control of the sea." (300-301)
Other quotes:
"We believe in waging relentless war on rank-growing evils of all kinds." (7)
"The Democrats can be trusted to invariably walk in the darkness even when to walk in the light would be manifestly to their advantage." (12)
"In our Civil War it was the people who pressed on the leaders, and won almost as much in spite of as because of them. But the leaders of the Revolution had to goad the rank and file into line." (25)
"Many who get discouraged by the attitude of latter-day politicians may draw some hope and comfort from the reflection that the nation actually lived through the experiment of trying Jefferson's ideas." (75)
"The people that do harm in the end are not the wrongdoers whom all execrate. They are the men who do not quite as much wrong, but who are applauded instead of being execrated." (76)
"Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president. It is patriotic to support him in so far as he efficiently serves the country." (142)
"The worst lesson that can be taught a man is to rely upon others and to whine over his sufferings." (230)
"Savages do not like an independent and upright judiciary. They want the judge to decide their way, and if he does not, they want to behead him." (231)
"In a really tremendous world struggle, with a great moral issue involved, neutrality does not serve righteousness, for to be neutral between right and wrong is to serve wrong." (312)
TR lists George Washington and Abraham Lincoln as the greatest Americans who had yet lived. He also gives high praise to Alexander Hamilton and Andrew Jackson. TR is quite critical of Thomas Jefferson, who was "not even excepting Buchanan, the most incompetent chief executive we ever had." (86) He is also highly critical of James Madison, James Monroe, all of the presidents between Jackson and Lincoln (except Zachary Taylor), Taft, and Woodrow Wilson. TR places Jefferson Davis (rightly, in my opinion) on almost the same level with Benedict Arnold.
TR doesn't speak much about religion, but when he does, his views reflect classical theological liberalism (pp. 34, 273).
Of those who attempt to put Lee on the same level with Washington: "Washington was not only a general, but a great constructive statesman. The salient difference between Washington and Lee ought to be apparent to even the dimmest vision. The one succeeded in building up the mighty structure which the other failed in trying to tear down. To compare Lee to Washington . . . is absurd." (39)
On the Civil War, "There never was a war in which the right was so wholly on one side, and yet that there never yet was a war in which the wrong side believed so absolutely that it was fighting for righteousness and justice." (176)
The entire chapter on Lincoln was excellent (180-188).
TR was quite progressive in his views on race in his day: "The only wise and honorable and Christian thing to do is to treat each black man and each white man strictly on his merits as a man, giving him no more and no less than he shows himself worthy to have." (275)
TR opposed socialist efforts in his day: "I never will accept the ultra-socialistic doctrine that there must be equality of reward for inequality of work. The most cruel form of injustice that can be devised would be to give a man who has not earned it the reward that ought to come only to the man who has earned it." (293)
TR's comments on the future of Japan, Russia, and Germany are nearly prophetic. He believed the German race "will play a great part in the present century." He believed that the English speaking race could cooperate well with the Slav civilization, "provided she [Russia] did not interfere elsewhere" (298), which, of course, she did. He then said that Russia "will sometime experience a red terror which will make the French Revolution pale." (299)
Regarding Japan, "The Japs have been very cocky since the war with Russia, but they will hesitate to molest us as long as we carry a big stick. . . . The security of the throne will depend upon some sensational war, and the Japanese politician is not without daring to try one. When it comes we will win over Japan but it will be one of the most disastrous conflicts the world has ever seen. . . . . I sometimes question whether anything but a great military disaster will ever make us feel our responsibilities and our possible dangers. . . . I have urged as strongly as I know how the immediate building of impregnable fortifications to protect Pearl Harbor and the adjacent region from any possible land attack. It seems to me that the determining factor in any war with Japan would be the control of the sea." (300-301)
Other quotes:
"We believe in waging relentless war on rank-growing evils of all kinds." (7)
"The Democrats can be trusted to invariably walk in the darkness even when to walk in the light would be manifestly to their advantage." (12)
"In our Civil War it was the people who pressed on the leaders, and won almost as much in spite of as because of them. But the leaders of the Revolution had to goad the rank and file into line." (25)
"Many who get discouraged by the attitude of latter-day politicians may draw some hope and comfort from the reflection that the nation actually lived through the experiment of trying Jefferson's ideas." (75)
"The people that do harm in the end are not the wrongdoers whom all execrate. They are the men who do not quite as much wrong, but who are applauded instead of being execrated." (76)
"Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president. It is patriotic to support him in so far as he efficiently serves the country." (142)
"The worst lesson that can be taught a man is to rely upon others and to whine over his sufferings." (230)
"Savages do not like an independent and upright judiciary. They want the judge to decide their way, and if he does not, they want to behead him." (231)
"In a really tremendous world struggle, with a great moral issue involved, neutrality does not serve righteousness, for to be neutral between right and wrong is to serve wrong." (312)
January 12, 2018
My current nightstand book. Whether you always agree with him or not, Teddy was just so goddam smart - the perfect (if depressing) antidote for our own "intelligence is bad and science isn't real" times.
July 2, 2023
I received this book as a gift and am very glad I did. I read it after finishing Edmund Morris' series on TR and other bios of Presidents from that period. I would recommend this as there are some figures and contexts that you might not get (or you can google as you go along). Either way, this is a very cool time capsule of TR's comments on various events and personalities throughout US History throughout his lifetime. It's interesting to hear his thoughts, especially when they differ from "conventional wisdom" (Jefferson being one of the worst Presidents ever?). Agree or disagree with things TR says (or if you're like me, both depending on the issue), he does not pull punches (comparing President McKinley to a chocolate eclair etc) and I found it especially interesting when TR talks about issues we still wrestle with today. Each chapter is very short-just TR's thoughts on the subject so it's easy to digest each one. Another commenter mentioned this was on their bedside and I think that's a good idea, or maybe like a beach read. I tend to read mostly straight biographies and history books so I probably would not have thought to pick this commentary up, but really found it fascinating. Recommended.
April 17, 2018
It's almost hard to tell that this is a compilation in some areas. Ruddy blends Roosevelt's writing so seamlessly it feels like you're actually listening to TR harangue you about American history and (what was for him) current events.
Beyond the compiler's skill, TR's writing is hugely entertaining, and enlightening. We tend to believe that what we consider to be important, universal values are far from actually being so. Reading TR, who was the soul and essence of what it meant to be an American, just goes to show how our values have evolved. All of his views are worth at least our consideration, if not acceptance; there's no knowing what we may have left behind in our gradual cultural metamorphosis.
Also, hearing a president described as "having no more backbone than a chocolate eclair" just demonstrates how much fun political insults can be.
Beyond the compiler's skill, TR's writing is hugely entertaining, and enlightening. We tend to believe that what we consider to be important, universal values are far from actually being so. Reading TR, who was the soul and essence of what it meant to be an American, just goes to show how our values have evolved. All of his views are worth at least our consideration, if not acceptance; there's no knowing what we may have left behind in our gradual cultural metamorphosis.
Also, hearing a president described as "having no more backbone than a chocolate eclair" just demonstrates how much fun political insults can be.
November 4, 2019
A fantastic and eye opening read on American history through the eyes, ears, mind of one of America's greatest President's, Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt. Daniel Ruddy compiled writings from TR to produce one outstanding read surely to amaze and hit home to any reader. Politics is a game, called dirty, disgusting, defeating, or any other word but coming from TR: it is wholesome, invigorating and wanting. TR did not mince words, for that is what came to define him, both good and not so good. A lesson for any individual seeking to enter politics and carrying the torch so profoundly laid by TR. When and if, an elected official possessed just 20% of TR, our world would benefit to no ends. From the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and culminating with World War I this work is not to be surpassed for any American.
June 29, 2018
A president who can articulate his arguments was just what I needed right now. I didn't agree all the time, but Teddy wouldn't expect me to faun all over him. He would expect me to express my point-of-view with the same honesty. His embrace of life comes through in every page as well as his willingness to learn new things. He loved science, strategy, the common man as well as the rich man. He spoke of friendship and love. A wonderful compilation of Roosevelt's work.
This is the type of president I want.
This is the type of president I want.
August 11, 2017
I loved this book! What a neat idea to take pieces from Teddy's Roosevelt's writings (and he wrote more than most mortals) and turn it into a history book of the United States. Fascinating to read his thoughts and opinions, especially about individuals he did not like. Very interesting to see that he loved Lincoln, Washington, and Root and that he despised Jefferson and Bryan. Highly recommended read for anyone that is a fan of TR!
September 9, 2019
My husband will be happy I’ve finished this book because I have endlessly interrupted him to read out loud sections of this book. Who could not relate Roosevelt’s comment about William McKinley who “had no more backbone than a chocolate eclair.” Besides the countless zingers , it is educational to be able to read about Teddy Roosevelt’s view of history and its politicians from Washington to Woodrow Wilson.
May 11, 2014
Man do I have conflicted feelings about Theodore Roosevelt. Love some of his political positions and hate others. But I sure do enjoy the man and his personality: His willingness to decide what he believes and stick to his guns on those beliefs no matter the criticism of others; his intellectual capacity combined with his physically "strenuous" life. This book collects excerpts from his historical writings and his letters to give us a snapshot of his views on various historical figures, from the Revolutionary era until the end of World War I. It's clear his political and historical opinions were cast in iron by his coming of age during the Civil War. Anyone who did anything to strengthen this country and its government (including the presidency and the judiciary), like Washington, Hamilton, most of all Lincoln, and of course himself: GOOD. Anyone who toyed with weakening the government or pursuing policies such as nullification that ultimately provided the doctrinal underpinnings for secession, like Jefferson, Madison, Gouverneur Morris: BAD. This book will at turns shock, with Roosevelt's prescience; offend, with his politically incorrect jingoism; and cause out loud laughter, at his bombastic patriotism. Loved it.
June 3, 2010
A very interesting premise for a book. By pouring over all of TR's writings, the author has arranged many of the president's thoughts on the historical figures and events of America's first 120 years. While it is fascinating to read TR's opinions in his own words, TR was not writing a history book. The chapters often feel very jumpy. The passages presented were most often not meant to be educational, and therefore contain very little context or information about a situation. TR simply assumed that the intended audience would know most of the facts about a subject. 100 years later, it can be very hard to understand exactly what or who he is talking about without a very good knowledge of the 19th century. Overall, I would certainly recommend this book to somebody interested in TR, but do not expect to learn a great deal about American history. In the end, you walk away with some very entertaining opinions but very not very much information.
December 17, 2010
Theodore Roosevelt's History of the United States- Daniel Ruddy
Sorry guys, this isn't Young Adult. It isn't even fiction. It's non-fiction and history. And frankly, it was awesome. If you like Teddy Roosevelt, which I do, then you will love these short excerpts of his writing arranged to construct his view of American history. His personality comes through clearly with a burning hatred for Hearst, disdain for Jefferson, and enduring love for Washington and Lincoln. With gems like "McKinley has as much backbone as a chocolate eclair" you will be entertained as well as edified.
Overall: A
Sorry guys, this isn't Young Adult. It isn't even fiction. It's non-fiction and history. And frankly, it was awesome. If you like Teddy Roosevelt, which I do, then you will love these short excerpts of his writing arranged to construct his view of American history. His personality comes through clearly with a burning hatred for Hearst, disdain for Jefferson, and enduring love for Washington and Lincoln. With gems like "McKinley has as much backbone as a chocolate eclair" you will be entertained as well as edified.
Overall: A
July 25, 2013
Ruddy has done a good job of pulling together Roosevelt's writing (from letters, books, etc.) on different historical periods and figures. TR was highly opinionated, of course, and he pulls no punches. Some real zingers aimed at various Presidents and politicians, including Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, Thomas Jefferson (TR despised him), Eugene Debs, Upton Sinclair, and William Randolph Hearst. Leaves me with the same attitude toward Roosevelt: a strong leader with some progressive ideas and actions, but too bellicose, too concerned with proving his manhood and the strength of the US. But one of the better Republican Presidents, certainly.
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August 22, 2011Rhetorical restraint was not Teddy Roosevelt’s forte. His occasional fulminations against the intelligentsia could sound like vivid twists on the most inane populism. He called academics “logical vegetarians” and “sublimated sweetbreads.” But when Roosevelt wasn’t damning effeminate, cosmopolitan mollycoddle, he could be downright effete. Read more...
May 15, 2014
TR is so bad ass. Had to skip some stuff, but a really good read!
August 3, 2014
This culmination of full length quotations is a phenomenal historical reference guide into the mind of a true American, Theodore Roosevelt.
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June 23, 2011TR really hates Thomas Jefferson. He also admires vigor.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews