Contextualization

Introduction to Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt, often referred to as Teddy Roosevelt, was the 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909. He is recognized as one of the most influential U.S. Presidents, remembered for his energetic personality, his leadership during a time of significant economic and social change, his contributions to the conservation movement, and his advocacy for the "Square Deal" domestic policy.

Born into a wealthy family in New York City in 1858, Roosevelt was a sickly child who suffered from asthma. However, he was determined to overcome his physical limitations, and through vigorous exercise and outdoor activities, he developed a strong physique and an unyielding spirit. This resilience and energy later became hallmarks of his presidency.

Roosevelt's presidency was marked by his dedication to progressive ideals. He believed in the power of the federal government to regulate big business and ensure fair competition, leading to the creation of the Department of Commerce and Labor. His administration also took steps to protect consumers and the environment, with landmark legislation like the Pure Food and Drug Act and the creation of the United States Forest Service.

Another notable aspect of Roosevelt's presidency was his focus on foreign policy. He was instrumental in the construction of the Panama Canal, a strategic waterway that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. His doctrine of "speak softly and carry a big stick" outlined a strategy of assertive diplomacy, which aimed to maintain peace while protecting American interests.

Roosevelt's contributions to American society and politics extend beyond his presidency. He was an avid writer and historian, and his books and essays continue to influence political thought to this day. He was also a conservationist, establishing numerous national parks, forests, and monuments that preserve America's natural beauty for future generations.

Contextualization of Theodore Roosevelt's Relevance Today

The impact of Theodore Roosevelt's policies and ideas can still be felt in contemporary American society. His emphasis on conservation and environmental stewardship is particularly relevant as the world grapples with the effects of climate change. Today, we see his vision of preserving America's natural resources in the existence of national parks and protected lands.

Roosevelt's belief in a strong and regulated economy echoes in contemporary debates over the role of government in business and the need for consumer protections. His progressive policies, such as trust-busting and food safety regulations, anticipated many of the issues we continue to face in the 21st century.

In foreign policy, Roosevelt's doctrine of assertive diplomacy remains an influential concept. The idea of maintaining peace through a combination of negotiation and military strength is still debated and implemented in modern international relations.

Understanding Roosevelt's contributions and legacy is essential for comprehending the development of the United States as a global power and the evolution of its political, economic, and social systems. This project will delve into these key aspects of Theodore Roosevelt's life and presidency, offering students the opportunity to explore and appreciate his enduring impact on American history.

Resources

To aid in your research, here are some reliable resources on Theodore Roosevelt:

1. "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" by Edmund Morris - a comprehensive biography of Theodore Roosevelt, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award.
2. Theodore Roosevelt Association, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt. Their website contains numerous articles and resources on all aspects of Roosevelt's life and career.
3. The American Experience: The Presidents - Theodore Roosevelt, a PBS documentary that explores the life and times of Theodore Roosevelt.
4. Theodore Roosevelt: A Life, a resource from the National Park Service that provides an overview of Roosevelt's life and accomplishments.
5. Theodore Roosevelt - The White House, official biographical information on Theodore Roosevelt during his presidency.

Students are encouraged to use additional resources, such as library books and scholarly articles, to delve deeper into the topic and enrich their understanding of Theodore Roosevelt's life and legacy.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Theodore Roosevelt: A Progressive President"

Objective of the Project

The main goal of this project is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the life, presidency, and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, with a specific focus on his progressive policies and their impact on American society. By researching, discussing, and creating a multimedia presentation, students will develop critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.

Detailed Description of the Project

In this project, students will form groups of 3 to 5 members and take on the roles of historians tasked with examining and presenting on a specific aspect of Roosevelt's presidency. Each group will be responsible for creating a multimedia presentation that includes a video, a slideshow, and a written script. The video should be a creative representation of their topic, the slideshow should provide additional information and context, and the script should outline the content of their presentation.

The project will require a substantial amount of research, as students are expected to use a variety of sources to support their claims and provide historical context. In addition to the multimedia presentation, each group will be required to submit a written report that details their research process, findings, and conclusions.

Necessary Materials

• Access to the internet for research
• Access to video editing software (e.g., iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, etc.)
• Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.)
• Writing materials for note-taking and drafting the report

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity

1. Group Formation and Topic Selection: Form groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group will choose a specific aspect of Theodore Roosevelt's presidency to research and present on. Possible topics include his progressive policies, his contributions to the conservation movement, his foreign policy, and his role in shaping the modern presidency.

2. Research and Script Writing: Each group will conduct extensive research on their chosen topic, utilizing a variety of resources including books, websites, and documentaries. As they gather information, they should begin drafting the script for their presentation, outlining the main points they want to cover and the order in which they will present them.

3. Multimedia Creation: Using the script as a guide, groups will create their multimedia presentation. This may involve creating a storyboard for the video, designing the slides for the slideshow, and recording the narration for the video.

4. Review and Rehearsal: After creating the initial version of their presentation, groups should review and revise their work, ensuring that it is clear, concise, and engaging. They should also rehearse their presentation to ensure that the timing and delivery are smooth.

5. Presentation and Peer Review: Each group will present their project to the class. After each presentation, there will be a short Q&A session where students can ask questions and provide feedback.

6. Report Writing: In addition to the multimedia presentation, each group will submit a written report. The report should include: (1) Introduction to their topic and its relevance, (2) Detailed description of their research methods, sources, and findings, (3) Discussion of their results in the context of Roosevelt's presidency and its relevance today, (4) Conclusion, summarizing their main points and lessons learned from the project, and (5) Bibliography, listing all the sources they used in their research.

Project Deliverables

The final deliverables for this project are:

• The multimedia presentation (video and slideshow)
• The written report, following the structure mentioned above

The written report should complement the multimedia presentation, providing a more detailed account of the research process, the findings, and the conclusions drawn. This project will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, their ability to work collaboratively, their research skills, and their creativity in presenting historical information in a engaging and accessible way.