Theodore Roosevelt: The Rough Rider President

Theodore Roosevelt, often called 'Teddy,' was the 26th President of the United States. He became known for his energy, bold decisions, and deep love for nature. But long before he became president, Roosevelt was a sickly child with asthma who wasn’t expected to become strong or powerful.

Instead of giving in to his weakness, Roosevelt worked hard to build his strength. He exercised daily and spent time outdoors. He loved reading about animals, exploring forests, and learning about the natural world. This passion stayed with him for life.

Before becoming president, Roosevelt was a soldier, a police commissioner, and the governor of New York. He also led a group of fighters during the Spanish-American War called the Rough Riders, which made him a national hero.

Roosevelt became president in 1901 after President William McKinley was assassinated. At just 42 years old, he was the youngest U.S. president at the time. As president, he believed the government should help people, not just big businesses. He worked to make food and medicine safer, helped settle labor strikes fairly, and fought against companies that tried to cheat the public.

One of Roosevelt’s biggest legacies was his work to protect nature. He created national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. In total, he helped protect over 230 million acres of land—more than any president before him. Because of this, he is often called the 'conservation president.'

Even after leaving office, Roosevelt stayed active. He went on a safari in Africa, explored the Amazon River, and continued writing books. He believed that a full life meant being curious, brave, and always willing to try something new.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, 'Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.' That spirit of action and courage made him one of the most unique leaders in American history.