Final answer:
Theodore Roosevelt was a politician and conservationist who added to national forests and created public lands. He was respected for his rugged cowboy persona and implemented progressive policies as an accidental president. Despite a gunshot injury during a speech, he famously continued his address, bolstering his larger-than-life reputation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Interesting Facts About Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt, often referred to as Teddy, was a man of many facets—politician, conservationist, and adventurer. His advocacy for the conservation of natural resources added significantly to the national forests in the West and set aside lands for public use. Roosevelt's image as a soldier and a cowboy resonated with many Americans, and he is known for embodying the American spirit of the era. His background as a rancher in the Dakotas, despite coming from a wealthy New York family, earned him the respect of fellow ranchers as a figure of rugged grit. His ascent to the presidency was an unplanned result of President McKinley's assassination, and he used this opportunity to institute progressive policies, transform the office of the president, and champion the cause of the common man.
During his time as president, Theodore Roosevelt was praised by none other than William Howard Taft, whom he chose as his successor, hoping Taft would continue his policies. Despite their later estrangement, Taft continued the progress of antitrust rulings. Lastly, it is compelling to note that Roosevelt's persona, 'Old Rough and Ready', was attractive to many voters and he continued to be an iconic figure even after his presidency due to his frequent outdoor adventures and the survival of a gunshot during a campaign speech, continuing to speak despite his injury.