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Primary sourceSpeech4 March 1905

Theodore Roosevelt's Inaugural Address

Theodore Roosevelt · 4 March 1905

Roosevelt's second inaugural address, delivered on 4 March 1905, reflecting on America's history and responsibilities.

Roosevelt delivered this address himself as he began his second term as president.

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Source: Wikisource

About this source

What it is

This is the text of Theodore Roosevelt's inaugural address, delivered when he was sworn in for his second term as president on 4 March 1905. In it he reflects on the nation's history, its blessings, and the responsibilities of its people.

Why it matters

Inaugural addresses are important primary sources because they show how a president presents his vision for the country at a defining moment. This speech reveals Roosevelt's confident, optimistic view of American history and his sense of national responsibility and destiny.

Look closer

  • What words does Roosevelt use to describe America's history and its people's character?
  • What does he say about responsibility, and who does he think holds it?
  • What is left out of this speech about the experiences of other groups in America at the time?

This speech 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.

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