Questions: Directions: Watch the Documentary on Theodore Roosevelt. As you watch, think about the questions asked. Answer the questions in complete sentences. Write neatly. If I cannot read it, I will not grade it. This is a test grade. Theodore Roosevelt Documentary 1. What motivated Theodore Roosevelt to pursue a life in politics, and how did his upbringing influence this decision? 2. How did Roosevelt's experiences in the American west shape his view on conversation and the environment? 4. Discuss the impacts of the Spanish-American War on Roosevelt's political career. How did it change public perception of him? 5. How did Roosevelt use the presidency to combat monopolies and regulate big business during the Progressive Era? 6. Explain the significance of Roosevelt's role in negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War. How did it reflect his approach to foreign policy?

1. What motivated Theodore Roosevelt to pursue a life in politics, and how did his upbringing influence this decision?

Theodore Roosevelt was motivated to pursue a life in politics due to a combination of personal ambition, a sense of duty, and the influence of his upbringing. Born into a wealthy and influential family in New York City, Roosevelt was exposed to the importance of public service from a young age. His father, Theodore Roosevelt Sr., was a philanthropist and a civic leader, which instilled in young Theodore a sense of responsibility to contribute to society. Additionally, Roosevelt's own experiences with illness and physical weakness as a child drove him to overcome personal challenges and prove his resilience, further fueling his desire to make a significant impact through public service.

2. How did Roosevelt's experiences in the American West shape his view on conservation and the environment?

Roosevelt's experiences in the American West profoundly shaped his views on conservation and the environment. After the tragic deaths of his first wife and mother on the same day in 1884, Roosevelt retreated to the Badlands of North Dakota, where he immersed himself in the rugged lifestyle of a rancher. This period allowed him to develop a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and resources of the American landscape. Witnessing the overgrazing, deforestation, and exploitation of natural resources firsthand, Roosevelt became a staunch advocate for conservation. His time in the West reinforced his belief in the need to preserve the nation's natural heritage for future generations, leading to his later efforts as President to establish national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.

4. Discuss the impacts of the Spanish-American War on Roosevelt's political career. How did it change public perception of him?

The Spanish-American War had a significant impact on Theodore Roosevelt's political career and public perception. As the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Roosevelt was a vocal advocate for American intervention in Cuba. When war broke out in 1898, he resigned from his position to form the Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry regiment. Roosevelt's leadership and bravery during the Battle of San Juan Hill made him a national hero. This newfound fame catapulted him into the political spotlight, leading to his election as Governor of New York later that year. The war showcased Roosevelt's decisiveness, courage, and patriotism, qualities that endeared him to the American public and solidified his reputation as a dynamic and capable leader. This momentum eventually helped him secure the Vice Presidency and later the Presidency of the United States.