The colorful story of how TR almost single–handedly started the Spanish War and transformed the US into a major world power The shortest declared war in US history, the Spanish–American war was also one of its most important. As a direct consequence of that war, the United States was transformed from a minor player in world affairs to a major global force with a two–ocean navy, a leading colonial power, and the sole arbiter of affairs in the Western Hemisphere. And no one was more aware of the potential advantages of a war with Spain, or more responsible for its instigation and outcome, than the inimitable Theodore Roosevelt.
Now, in Colonel Roosevelt, H. Paul Jeffers details the dramatic story of how and why Teddy Roosevelt turned a crisis over Cuba into a war and thereby cleared a path for himself to the Oval Office. Drawing on Roosevelt′s diaries, letters, and memoirs as well as contemporary news reports, government archives, and other primary sources, Jeffers recounts the crisis that led to war, profiles the various personalities who became involved—including the notoriously machiavellian newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst—and brings to vivid life all the sensational battles fought between the Spanish and Roosevelt′s celebrated Rough Riders...including the raid on San Juan Hill.
H. PAUL JEFFERS (New York, New York) is the author of over 20 books, including Bloody Business: An Anecdotal History of Scotlant Yard.
COLONEL ROOSEVELT
Theodore Roosevelt Goes to War, 1897 – 1898
His celebrated charge up San Juan Hill made him an American icon—a roughshod, take–charge leader in the glorious service of his young and ambitious nation. For Theodore Roosevelt, it was a defining moment, the scene with which he would become most often associated. And, as H. Paul Jeffers shows in this lively new account, the now–legendary episode not only made the future president′s political career, it took center stage in a "splendid little war" that Roosevelt himself orchestrated almost single–handedly.
Colonel Roosevelt is an exciting and thoroughly captivating portrait of a man and a country at a crossroads. The Spanish–American War of 1897–1898 was the shortest conflict in American history. Yet it played a pivotal role in propelling the United States onto the twentieth–century world stage—along with the man whose nationalistic and military ideals were most responsible for bringing it about. With his keen eye for characterization and rich period detail, Jeffers captures the spirit of a newly industrialized nation with dreams of the spoils of empire hitherto reserved for her European rivals, a country flexing her newfound muscles.
No man more clearly exemplified late nineteenth–century notions of manifest destiny than Theodore Roosevelt. And no man was more willing to wage war to fulfill them. As Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Roosevelt dreamed of a massive two–ocean navy capable of exerting American influence around the world. Going to war against an aging Spain, with Cuba as the prize, seemed the perfect way to make his dream come true.
The events and colorful personalities of this crucial period come to vivid life in Colonel Roosevelt, from William Randolph Hearst and Henry Cabot Lodge, to Richard Harding Davis and Stephen Crane. Here, too, is the personal side of Theodore Roosevelt, much of it revealed in his own words. It is a candid glimpse of the blunt man behind the historic figure, relishing the swirl of international tensions he so vigorously helped to stir.
From the parlors of power in Washington to the dust–choked backroads of Cuba, from the epic sea battles around the Philippines to the legendary charge up San Juan Hill, this vigorous account of Teddy Roosevelt at his finest hour is compelling biography and fascinating military history.
"I had very deeply felt that it was our duty to free Cuba, and I had publicly expressed this feeling; and when a man takes such a position, he ought to be willing to make his words good by his deeds. He should pay with his body." —Theodore Roosevelt
It was the shortest conflict in American history. Yet, for the pugnacious, saber–rattling "jingo" who helped bring it about, the Spanish–American War of 1897–1898 would be the stepping–stone to notoriety, a governorship, and, ultimately, the presidency. A rousing portrait of a fascinating period and a one–of–a–kind man on his way to becoming a legend, Colonel Roosevelt is H. Paul Jeffers′s brilliant follow–up to his critically acclaimed Commissioner Roosevelt. The power plays, political intrigues, and military adventures of a century ago unfold with all the drama and impact of the Rough Riders′ famous charge up San Juan Hill. Colonel Roosevelt is the unforgettable tale of how one man′s personal ambitions and dreams of destiny propelled a young nation to prominence and a new era.
Praise for COMMISSIONER ROOSEVELT The Story of Theodore Roosevelt and the New York City Police, 1895–1897
"A lively, entertaining, and well–researched portrait of a zealous reformer during the historic crusade that successfully launched his ca reer in government." —Booklist
"Jeffers captures the public–spirited TR in all his pugnaciousness." —Publishers Weekly
