Podcast #696: Theodore Roosevelt, The Last Romantic

Romanticism, not in terms of courtship and bouquets of roses, but as a philosophical approach to life which blossomed in the 19th century, embodies many tenets, including a nostalgia for the past, a heroic view of the world, a firm sense of right and wrong, and the idea that an individual can shape his own destiny, as well as have an outsized impact on the world.

It is through this lens of Romanticism, my guest says, that we can best understand one of the most memorable, influential, and legendary figures in American history: Theodore Roosevelt. His name is H. W. Brands, and he’s a professor of history and the author of numerous books and biographies, including T.R.: The Last Romantic. Today on the show, Bill explains how Teddy Roosevelt was one of the last bearers of the Romantic spirit, where his Romanticism came from, how that spirit motivated him to push and challenge himself from boyhood ’til death, led him both to egoistic excesses and worthy, epic deeds, and influenced everything from his familial relationships to his time as president to his second and third acts in life.

If reading this in an email, click the title of the post to listen to the show.

Show Highlights

What is Romanticism? Why is it essential to understanding TR?
How Romanticism was baked into TR’s childhood
How TR made his body as strong as his mind
The ways that Roosevelt’s father influenced him
Roosevelt and war
Roosevelt and love
Why TR got into politics
How the West impacted Roosevelt’s worldview and development
TR’s role as Assistant Secretary of the Navy and how it led to his battle experience in Cuba
How Romanticism shaped Roosevelt’s politics and time in office
How TR changed the office of the presidency
Roosevelt’s second and third acts