Col. Theodore Roosevelt Poster

Theodore Roosevelt's service in the Spanish-American War marked a pivotal moment in his political and military career. At the outbreak of the conflict in 1898, Roosevelt was serving as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President William McKinley. Eager for action and believing in the importance of American intervention in the Cuban struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule, Roosevelt resigned from his post and formed the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, famously known as the "Rough Riders." This group consisted of a diverse mix of cowboys, college athletes, and other volunteers, with Roosevelt as its charismatic leader. Roosevelt and his Rough Riders played a crucial role in the Battle of San Juan Hill during the war. On July 1, 1898, they charged up Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill in the face of intense enemy fire. Roosevelt's leadership and courage in the heat of battle earned him widespread acclaim and a reputation as a war hero. His actions in Cuba not only contributed to the eventual American victory but also catapulted him to national prominence, setting the stage for his later political career. Following the war, Theodore Roosevelt returned to the United States as a celebrated figure, and his military service became an essential part of his political narrative. He later served as the Governor of New York and, in 1901, became the 26th President of the United States following the assassination of President William McKinley. Roosevelt's wartime experience and his strong advocacy for American preparedness would continue to shape his policies and leadership style throughout his presidency, making him one of the most dynamic and influential leaders in American history.