Theodore Roosevelt character traits – Term Paper

Theodore Roosevelt personality traits

Theodore Roosevelt served as the 26th president of the United States of America from1901-1909 on the Republican ticket. The article by Edmund Morris describes the character traits of this man, some of which made him the great president he was. Despite being born asthmatic, Theodore fought through ranks to become the youngest president of the US in history at forty-three years. This paper describes and analyzes the traits described in the article and how beneficial or detrimental they were to his presidential ambitions.

The article describes Theodore as likable and irresistible. He was a huge person physically and Morris describes him as equal to two combined strong men, and with an appetite enough for four people (92). However, the article indicates that it was his personality that was more appealing than the physical phenomenon. Various writers describe him as having a compelling sweetness that is irresistible (Morris, 93). Additionally, this attribute, coupled with his powerful personality made an impression that his ideas were not to be doubted. Morris also indicates that in some instances, even his fiercest political rivals could not resist him in person. Despite Henry Adams, one of his critics, spending much of his time insulting the presidency of the time, he would frequently accept dining invitations at the white house. Theodore would also frequently insult his officers to castigate their poor performance. However, according to Morris, he would collapse into laughter as he uttered these insults even when it was a serious matter, which made them less offending (94).

The character described above is ideal for a man seeking the presidency. Just his physical appearance, as described, was commanding in nature. His likable personality was good in creating a self-image that made people naturally drawn to him and his ideas (Cooper and Gould). Theodore’s likeableness appears to portray the signs of a charismatic leader which is critical for a country’s president. The fact that he had a conviction that that was easily sellable to his followers means that the implementation of suggested policies was swift. According to Cooper and Gould, such leaders, through their characters, can influence their subordinate officers to carry on their vision even when they are not present. For a US president, Theodore’s character was crucial as he would not have a hard time commanding people around. Also, his way of castigating poor performers through insults said lightly made him attached more to his officers. This way, even in his absence, he would not fear of a collapse of business.

Theodore Roosevelt;leadership traits

Another trait for Theodore that is described in the article is his aggression. The writer indicates that on dragging breath to his asthmatic lungs, he got a conviction to pin down the disease and conquer the world (Morris, 95). He believed in his ideas and the ability to fight all challenges in his way to achieving what he had planned. According to Morris, it is his belief in natural selection and determination to gain knowledge that he read big books. In his youthful stages, he once watched a tiny shrew devouring a mass of beetles, a mouse, and a huge snake. From then on, he employed his superior intelligence, alongside hard work, became a persistent theme in his literature works. He also took up blood sports in which he would gain pleasure for killing dangerous animals. Evidently, Theodore believed in getting anything he wished so long as he puts all efforts into it physically and mentally. He also believed in personal righteousness in his aggression. For this reason, Morris indicates that he had no violent incidences even in his childhood (95). Additionally, the deaths of his father, mother, and his wife in a period of six years convinced him more to remain honest, strong, and more industrious.

The aggressive trait was also evident in his presidency, and seemingly, attributable to his success. For a man with ambitions of being a president of the United States, there is a need to have the determination to achieve the dreams of her citizens and himself. The country, from time to time, faces challenges that may be demoralizing to the person in the highest office of the land (Cooper and Gould). For this reason, his desire to achieve was welcome for the presidency. The fact that he remained strong even after his mother and wife died on the same day is a character worth emulation for a US president. Additionally, his peaceful nature is ideal for international relations with other superpowers in the world.

The article, evidently, approves Theodore as a president of the US. As the writer concludes, he indicates that although some people were displeased with Theodore;s presidency, it is because of his readiness to antagonize a large minority for approval by the majority citizens (Morris, 100). His personality of being likable, aggressive, and determined was maintained throughout his tenure making his presidency a success. I also agree with the article on the traits of Theodore and his leadership strategies. He was determined to make the country great and accordingly, he issued over one thousand executive orders, as many as those of his predecessors combined (Cooper and Gould). He is known to have placed the presidency at center stage of making policies and his insistence on the significance of the character of the public officers. In my opinion, given his ambitions to fight challenges, I believe that his presidency was a success.

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References

Cooper, John Milton and Lewis L. Gould. ;The Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt.; The American Historical Review 97.2(1992): 629. Web.

Morris, Edmund. Theodore Roosevelt, President. Modern Library, 1981.