Teddy Roosevelt And The Rough Riders

By | January 22, 2019

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Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders 'Teddy's colts,' at the top of the hill which they captured in the battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba during the Spanish American War in 1898. Source: (Corbis via Getty Images)

Who Were The Rough Riders?

A ‘Rough Rider’ was a member of the United States’ 1st Volunteer Cavalry during the Spanish-American War. The group was recruited by then Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt and consisted of police officers, cowboys, and miners, among others. Roosevelt was second in command to Colonel Leonard Wood. Their unusual and flamboyant escapades received a lot of press attention.

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Map showing Cuba in relationship to The United States. Source: (pinterest.com)

The Spanish-American War

The United States was paying close attention to what was happening in Cuba under Spanish rule. Reports of serious cruelty and treatment of the Cuban citizens were disturbing. Roosevelt, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, geared up the Navy for war with Spain.