Theodore Roosevelt, often referred to as Teddy, was an American statesman, politician, conservationist, naturalist, and writer who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909.

Roosevelt's youth was largely shaped by his poor health and debilitating asthma. He repeatedly experienced sudden nighttime asthma attacks that caused the experience of being smothered to death, which terrified both Theodore and his parents. Doctors had no cure, but he eventually discovered the benefits of physical exertion to minimize his asthma and bolster his spirits.

The oldest social club in the United States, the Hasty Pudding Club boasts a distinguished membership, including five U.S. Presidents: John and John Quincy Adams, Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy. Roosevelt was also a member of the Alpha Delta Phi literary society (later the Fly Club), the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and the prestigious Porcellian Club.

Under his leadership, the Rough Riders became famous for their charge up Kettle Hill on July 1, 1898. Diversity characterized the regiment, which included Ivy Leaguers, professional and amateur athletes, upscale gentlemen, cowboys, frontiersmen, Native Americans, hunters, miners, prospectors, former soldiers, tradesmen, and sheriffs.

On his 22nd birthday in 1880, Roosevelt married socialite Alice Hathaway Lee. Their daughter was born on February 12, 1884. Two days after giving birth, Alice died due to an undiagnosed case of kidney failure. His mother, Mittie, had died of typhoid fever eleven hours earlier in the same house. In his diary, Roosevelt wrote a large 'X' on the page and then, "The light has gone out of my life."

As governor of New York, Roosevelt learned much about ongoing economic issues and political techniques that later proved valuable in his presidency. He was exposed to the problems of trusts, monopolies, labor relations, and conservation.

After Vice President Garret Hobart died in 1899, the New York state party leadership convinced William McKinley to accept Roosevelt as his running mate in the 1900 election. Roosevelt campaigned vigorously, and the McKinley-Roosevelt ticket won a landslide victory based on a platform of peace, prosperity, and conservation. After McKinley was assassinated in September 1901, Roosevelt was sworn in as the nation's 26th president.

Roosevelt was 42 years and 10 months old when he was inaugurated on September 14, 1901, making him the youngest president in the history of the United States.

Roosevelt's "Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick" ideology is still quoted by politicians and columnists today.

Roosevelt was a leader of the progressive movement, and he championed his "Square Deal" domestic policies, which reflected his three major goals: conservation of natural resources, control of corporations, and consumer protection.