Primary sourceNewspaper articleNovember 1901
Theodore Roosevelt, profile by William Allen White
William Allen White · November 1901
A 1901 magazine profile of Roosevelt written just after he became president, by journalist William Allen White.
A contemporary journalist's profile of Roosevelt written just as he became president in 1901.
About this source
What it is
This is a character profile of Theodore Roosevelt written by journalist William Allen White and published in McClure's Magazine in November 1901, shortly after Roosevelt became president following President McKinley's assassination.
Why it matters
White was a well-known contemporary journalist, and this profile shows how Roosevelt was being described to the American public right as he entered the presidency. It reveals both admiration and the uncertainty people felt about this relatively young, energetic new leader.
Look closer
- What does the opening paragraph suggest about how unusual or notable Roosevelt seemed to his contemporaries?
- Why might a journalist's early impression of a new president matter to history?
- What is left out of a magazine profile that a private letter might reveal?
This newspaper article is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Theodore Roosevelt on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
More Theodore Roosevelt sources
Meet the AI Theodore Roosevelt →
PhotographPrimary source
Theodore Roosevelt as a Rough Rider at Tampa, Florida
American Stereoscopic Company · c. 1898-1903
SpeechPrimary source
Theodore Roosevelt's Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine
Theodore Roosevelt · 6 December 1904
Primary source
Pure Food and Drug Act
1906
PhotographPrimary source
Theodore Roosevelt with the Bull Elephant He Killed
Edmund Heller
Primary source
The Man with the Muck Rake
Theodore Roosevelt · 1906
Ready when you are
Start chatting with Theodore Roosevelt now.
20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.