Final answer:
Theodore Roosevelt became president following the assassination of William McKinley in 1901. Historians suggest that Roosevelt's progressive policies and assertive style could have hindered his initial election, as he ascended to the presidency by chance and not through a traditional electoral victory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Theodore Roosevelt (TR) became president due to the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901, making TR, then vice president, the youngest president in U.S. history. Some historians argue that Roosevelt may not have been elected on his own initially because his progressive policies and assertive style differed significantly from his predecessors, and he initially rose to the presidency by chance rather than electoral victory.
Roosevelt was serving as the vice president when President McKinley was assassinated. This unforeseen event propelled him into the presidency. Roosevelt was a dynamic leader with a strong commitment to progressive reforms and an active federal government, leading to significant legislative accomplishments and the transformation of the presidential role in the twentieth century.
Historians suggest that Roosevelt's initial lack of an electoral mandate would have challenged a traditional election bid for the presidency. He was known for confronting big business, advocating labor rights, and prioritizing the conservation of federal lands, which could have alienated more conservative voters. However, Roosevelt's assertive approach and advocacy for progressive reforms resonated with many Americans during his subsequent presidency, establishing a robust political base that supported his later electoral successes.