The Roosevelt’s are one of America’s most successful political families. However, although Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt have been extensively studied, one Roosevelt who was just as successful has often been left out of the narrative. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the son of President Theodore Roosevelt, was a successful military man credited with the formation of The American Legion. Here we break down Ted Jr’s. life and his heroic leadership during both World Wars.
Early Life
Theodore Roosevelt III (also known as Theodore Roosevelt Jr.) was the oldest son of 26th American President Theodore Roosevelt. He was born on his family’s estate in Cove Neck, Oyster Bay, New York, on September 13, 1887, while his father was starting his political career. He had an older half-sister named Alice and four younger siblings- Kermit, Archie, Quentin, and Ethel.
Ted Jr. was educated through both private and public schools. Because Ted Jr. was Theodore Roosevelt’s eldest son, he was pushed hard by his father to excel in both academics and sports. While attending school, his father wrote him letters encouraging Ted to push himself, specifically in football.
Ted Jr. and his father often discussed military history together, and Ted Jr. initially wanted to attend a military college like West Point or Annapolis to further pursue a career in the military. However, Theodore Roosevelt preferred that Ted attend his alma mater, Harvard University.
After graduation, Ted Jr. found success in banking and business. In 1910, Ted married Eleanor Butler Roosevelt, and together they settled close to Sagamore Hill.
Service in the First World War
Although Ted Jr. didn’t go to a military college, he continued to be fascinated with army life. While America did not get involved in the European conflict until 1917, there were still opportunities for Ted Jr. to become more involved in military life.
During the summer of 1915, Major General Leonard Wood (President Roosevelt’s former commanding officer during the Spanish-American War) organized a camp to provide military training for business and professional men. Three out of the four Roosevelt sons, including Ted Jr., attended this camp to gain better military experience if the United States decided to involve itself in the First World War.