[Abridged] Presidential Histories 26.E.) Theodore Roosevelt's post-presidential quest for death and glory; an interview with David Pietrusza
13 snips
May 2, 2022 David Pietrusza, an award-winning historian and expert on the presidency, joins the conversation to delve into Theodore Roosevelt's thrilling post-presidential escapades. They discuss Roosevelt’s exhilarating African safari and the harrowing near-death experiences during his Amazon exploration. Pietrusza reveals TR's relentless quest for engagement, including multiple attempts to return to battle in World War I. Listeners will also uncover the complexities of Roosevelt's health struggles and the fervent political activism that marked his final years.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
A Mix Of Causes Sparked The 1912 Break
- Multiple grudges and policy splits, not a single incident, drove Roosevelt back into the 1912 race.
- Antitrust actions, tariff fights, and personal slights combined to fracture party unity.
Primaries Were Partial And Local In 1912
- Early presidential primaries existed only in some states in 1912, so primaries didn't determine all delegates.
- State-level party machines and appointed delegates still controlled much of the nomination process.
Convention Walkout And New Party
- After contested delegates were sided with Taft at the 1912 convention, Roosevelt's progressives staged a walkout and formed a new party.
- They nominated Roosevelt with Hiram Johnson as his running mate in Chicago after forming the Progressive ticket.
