Colonel Roosevelt: Theodore Roosevelt Goes to War, 1897-1898

by H. Paul Jeffers

Book Overview

COLONEL ROOSEVELT Theodore Roosevelt Goes to War, 1897 - 1898 His celebrated charge up San Juan Hill made him an American icon--a roughshod, take-charge leader in the glorious service of his young and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471126780
• ISBN13: 9780471126782
• Release Date: March 1996
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 301 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

A Bully Introduction To A Splendid Little War!

In "Colonel Roosevelt" H. Paul Jeffers continues the magnificent story of Theodore Roosevelt which he began in "Commissioner Roosevelt." On its pages he tells the story of TR's involvement in the Spanish American War. The story begins with TR's successful campaign to obtain the appointment as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Despite President McKinley's prescience that "Theodore is too pugnacious" the appointment was made and Theodore began his crusade for war. For one year TR maneuvered for hostilities with Spain and prepared the Navy for the War which he was creating. Serving notice of his world view in a speech to the Naval War college in 1897, TR ruffled feathers while securing his place as a prominent "jingo", those working for war. During his year in the Navy department, Roosevelt was busy requesting appropriations for ship building, chartering vessels and ordering ammunition and coal, all the while presiding over training of the crews. Having secured the position of Commander of the Asiatic Squadron for his friend, George Dewey, TR took advantage of a day that Secretary Long took off to send the momentous telegram to Dewey ordering him to be ready to seize the Philippines in the event of war with Spain. Despite his horror, Long let the order stand, profoundly changing the history of the 20th century Leaving TR in the Navy department, Jeffers does a nice, although brief, job of explaining the causes of and agitators for the war. The primary causus belli was the Spanish suppression of the revolt in Cuba. While William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer beat the war drums while President McKinley worked for a peaceful solution. After the sinking of the Maine McKinley lost control of events and was eventually forced to ask for war. When he did, Roosevelt was ready. Having done what he could for the Navy, TR left to have his share of the fun in the Army. Wisely he accepted a Lt. Colonelcy under Col. Leonard Wood in the First United States Volunteer Cavalry, soon to be known as Roosevelt's Rough Riders. Roosevelt realized that his limited military experience may have delayed the unit's training until the war was over. The Rough Riders were unusual in that most volunteer units were organized by state, not nationally. Although created to admit volunteers from the Southwest, it also attracted many Easterners, including many Ivy League athletes. Organized in San Antonio, the Rough Riders moved to Tampa for embarkation. Orders kept a portion of the unit in the States, but not Roosevelt. Although lamenting the loss of Rain In The Face, his horse which drowned while disembarking in Cuba, TR approached the landing in Daiquiri with enthusiasm. Organizing his troops, TR got his first taste of combat on June 30, 1898 on the road from Siboney to Las Guasimas. Leading the troops against the Spaniards in the gloom, TR inspired his men as he lead them on to victory. His "Crowded Hour" followed on July 1 when he lead his men up Kettle