To me, Teddy R. is one of the most fascinating character studies in American history. He is responsible for many of the original occupational and food safety laws and conservation of natural resources. And whether you like the outcome or not, an argument can be made that TR was primarily responsible for the U.S. becoming the global power that was eventually capable of ending two world wars, while the globe for the British, French, Spanish and Dutch contracted.
TR had a very hostile, poor opinion of Wilson. Most scholars agree that WWII was an extension of WWI, so it’s plausible, based on TR’s harsh foreign policies towards Germany (he was often cited favoring war with Germany before his presidency), that had TR been president during WWI, he wouldn’t have allowed the 1918 armistice, but would have continued the war until the Germans’ unconditional surrender, which may have prevented WWII in Europe (the Pacific War was inevitable). It’s an interesting alternative history to ponder.
