Ep: 17 Teddy Roosevelt Q and A with David Pietrusza
Apr 21, 2018
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David Pietrusza, a historian specializing in American presidential history, sheds light on Theodore Roosevelt's complex legacy. They explore the intriguing 'what if' scenarios, such as Roosevelt's potential presidency in 1920 and his third-party run in 1912. The discussion dives into Roosevelt's views on race and labor against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, including the impact of major events like the East St. Louis riots. They also examine the political rift within the Roosevelt family, contrasting TR's ideology with FDR's alignment with the Democratic Party.
David Pietrusza emphasizes Theodore Roosevelt's complex legacy, highlighting his roles which shaped American history as a soldier, reformer, and conservationist.
The podcast discusses Roosevelt's contradictory stance on race relations, showcasing his progressive efforts alongside his underlying racial biases of the era.
Petruccia explains the significance of the 1912 primaries in the progressive movement, illustrating Roosevelt's strategies against established political norms and subsequent challenges.
Deep dives
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Exploring Theodore Roosevelt's Legacy
David Petruccia discusses Theodore Roosevelt's multifaceted legacy during a special show, emphasizing his profound impact on American history and politics. Their conversation delves into Roosevelt’s various roles as a soldier, president, conservationist, and reformer, illuminating how these actions shaped modern America. Petruccia highlights the contradictions within Roosevelt's character, pointing out moments of progressivism and instances of racial and social conflict during his presidency. This exploration allows listeners to appreciate the complexity of Roosevelt's persona and the lasting repercussions of his policies.
Racial Dynamics under Roosevelt
The exploration of race relations during Roosevelt's presidency reveals a complex and ambivalent approach. While known for his progressive stance, such as inviting Booker T. Washington to dinner at the White House, evidence suggests he harbored underlying racial biases reflective of his era. Roosevelt’s public outbursts on racial violence against Black communities demonstrate his support against injustices, yet his correspondence indicates limits to his beliefs about racial equality. This duality in Roosevelt's views feeds into a broader narrative of progressivism that is often overlooked in contemporary discussions.
The Evolution of American Politics
The session reflects on the evolution of the American political landscape, particularly concerning the progressive movement and its culmination in the election of 1912. With the introduction of primaries as a significant reform, David Petruccia explains how Roosevelt utilized this system against established political machines. However, the conversation highlights how the primary system had mixed success, ultimately leading to Roosevelt's backlash when the outcome did not favor him. This analysis frames the intricacies of political strategies and their implications for American democracy amid shifting party alliances and electoral practices.
Steve VGuerra Given that it was a definitely possible that McKinley could have survived, what would have happened to TR?
It’s hard not to think that TR would be against some domestic tenants of the Trump administration as he was against Trusts and pro conservation is his reputation as a Trust Buster deserved?
Joe Jamsky I mostly just want to know how racist, and religious every president was, his impact on Natives and such?
New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes was potentially a candidate to follow TR in 1908 who shared Roosevelt's progressivism, but Roosevelt disliked him and considered him to be too independent, why?
The 1912 primaries represented the first extensive use of the presidential primary, why was this important for the progressive movement?
Why did TR run as a third party candidate in 1912?
Niall Gargan I'd be interested to know a bit more about TR's relationship with FDR. Mostly looking at the reason why they are from opposing political parties. I know the old story that FDR ran as a Democrat simply because he said they asked to run for them in the state senate. I'm wondering how true this is or if the two family factions had a bigger part. I would have thought that FDR would have followed the same political ideology or had TR's troubles with the Republican Party in latter year dissuaded him from joining them?
James R. Early If Roosevelt had survived long enough to run for president in 1920, do you think he would have won?
If he had won in 1920 would he have continued the US isolationist policy after WW1?
Joe Jamsky I would be curious to know if Roosevelt said anything interesting about the second amendment?
Joe Jamsky Which president would win a WWE royal rumble?