On October 27th, the United States celebrated “National Civics Day” and also marked the birthday of the 26th President Theodore Roosevelt. The Nixon Library hosted a book event for the new book “To Rescue the American Spirit: Teddy Roosevelt and the Birth of a Superpower” which introduces and discusses the life of Theodore Roosevelt.
Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (1858.10.27–1919.1.6), also known as Teddy or T.R., became the youngest president in U.S. history at the age of 42. His dynamic personality and visionary leadership have earned him a place among the greatest U.S. presidents.
The new book, which received a 5-star rating on Amazon after being released on October 21st, is the sixth book in Fox News anchor and bestselling author Bret Baier’s “American Presidents Series”. It delves into how one president’s courage, vitality, and foresight shaped America’s position in the world. The book signing event also featured Chapman University history professor Luke Victor.
Baier mentioned that Theodore Roosevelt’s life was filled with adventures and colorful anecdotes, illustrating his resilience and unique character. Despite his many personal qualities, Roosevelt’s efforts to position the U.S. as a global leader and a superpower are often overlooked.
During a period when potential global conflicts loomed, Roosevelt initiated peace negotiations with Russia and Japan, a significant yet rarely mentioned diplomatic achievement that led to him being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Baier, who has written about six U.S. presidents, highlighted the resilience and ability of these leaders to connect with and inspire the common people. Each president, in his view, was able to communicate their goals and visions effectively, contributing to the betterment of America in their own way.
From Eisenhower to Reagan and Roosevelt to Grant, Baier’s series of books offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of these presidents. The narrative encompasses key historical events, such as the D-Day planning by F.D. Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin, as well as Reagan’s iconic speech in Moscow denouncing communism.
Looking ahead to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026, Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, with its iconic sculptures of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, stands as a tribute to the nation’s leaders.
Baier contemplated a striking photograph depicting a procession passing by Roosevelt’s childhood home during Lincoln’s funeral, with a young Theodore Roosevelt among the spectators. This poignant scene symbolizes the intersecting paths of these two presidents’ lives at Mount Rushmore.
Before his presidency, Roosevelt held various public roles, including governor of New York, police commissioner of New York City, and assistant secretary of the Navy, demonstrating his diverse experiences and impact on society.
Roosevelt’s presidency saw a significant increase in executive orders, marking a shift towards stronger executive power, particularly in relation to national park conservation efforts.
Roosevelt’s energetic and proactive leadership style, often described as a “whirlwind,” mirrored that of President Trump, who exhibited similar traits during his presidency.
The book reflects on Roosevelt’s personal motto, “First to embody morals,” highlighting his dedication to leading with principles throughout his life, even amidst his imperfections.
After leaving the White House, Roosevelt delivered his famed “Citizenship in a Republic” speech in Paris in 1910, where he emphasized the importance of active participation and leadership, inspiring generations to come.
Baier’s recounting of Roosevelt’s life revolves around the theme of “rescuing the American spirit and ensuring America’s global leadership”, portraying Roosevelt as a leader whose moral compass guided his actions and beliefs.