The Last Charge of the Rough Rider: Theodore Roosevelt's Final Days

Theodore Roosevelt's final years were marked by grief, guilt, and physical ailments, but he was also productive and politically influential. His quest for a "vigorous life" may have contributed to his early demise at the age of 60.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Theodore Roosevelt has been the subject of numerous books, but none have focused solely on his final years. Suffering from rheumatism, an embolism, blood pathogens, a bad leg from an accident, a bullet in his chest from an assassination attempt, and the disappointment of being denied his regiment in World War I, Roosevelt endured a challenging period from April 1917 to January 6, 1919. In the span of these two years, he experienced a range of emotions, from the profound disappointment of not being assigned to his own regiment in the war to leading a daring suicide mission of roughriders against the Germans. However, the most devastating news came when his son Quentin was shot down and killed over France, leaving Roosevelt grappling with immense grief and guilt.

As the world unfolded around him, Roosevelt felt marginalized and his once-illuminating life began to fade. However, his final years were also marked by productivity. He wrote several "instant" books that advocated for U.S. entry into the Great War and made plans for another presidential run in 1920. Roosevelt's political influence was profound, and his opposition to the policies of Woodrow Wilson helped the Republican Party regain control of Congress in 1918.

Ironically, it was Roosevelt's pursuit of a "vigorous life" that may have contributed to his early demise at the age of 60. His son Archie cabled his brother on January 6, 1919, announcing the death of "The Old Lion," marking the end of a historic era in American life and politics.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493070909