Exploring American Histories: Printed Page 632

Document 20.2

Theodore Roosevelt | The Strenuous Life, 1899

Imperialists often promoted U.S. overseas expansion as a way for overly civilized men to develop their virility. In the following passage, Theodore Roosevelt urges Americans to embrace a “strenuous life,” one that includes an active role for the United States in international affairs.

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Source: Theodore Roosevelt, The Strenuous Life (New York: The Review of Reviews, 1910), 7–9.

  • Question

    How can men and women contribute to the health of the nation?

  • Question

    On what grounds does Roosevelt criticize men who oppose American imperialism? What fears does he express about American society?

  • Question

    In Roosevelt’s view, what is the relationship between material prosperity and a strenuous life?

Put It in Context

Question

How did concerns over masculinity encourage U.S. imperialism?