Roosevelt in the Kansas City Star: War-time Editorials

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

67811

Title

Roosevelt in the Kansas City Star: War-time Editorials

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In these wartime editorials, Theodore Roosevelt urges Americans to reject disloyalty and Bolshevism while demanding unconditional surrender of Germany. He argues for permanent national preparedness over a weak League of Nations, insists on clear war aims, and honors the sacrifice of all who died, whether in battle or from disease.

Summary up to 500 words

In this collection of editorials written for the Kansas City Star during World War I, Theodore Roosevelt addresses the nation on critical issues of loyalty, preparedness, and peace. Early pieces condemn the Non-Partisan League and German sympathizers as 'Shadow Huns,' arguing that true Americanism requires unwavering support for the war effort and rejection of foreign autocracy. Roosevelt insists that Germany must be forced to unconditional surrender and that peace proposals, such as Wilson's Fourteen Points, must be scrutinized for vague language that could compromise American interests. He advocates for a League of Nations only as a supplement to, never a substitute for, robust national defense and universal military training. As the war concludes, Roosevelt comforts grieving families by asserting that all who died, regardless of cause, are heroes. He calls for immediate repatriation of soldiers and a firm stance against Bolshevism at home and abroad. His final message emphasizes that the U.S. must remain vigilant, protect the Monroe Doctrine, and avoid entanglement in obscure European conflicts while building a lasting peace based on justice and strength. Throughout the series, Roosevelt critiques 'broomstick preparedness,' highlighting the nation's initial lack of rifles and artillery, and demands that the government honor its debt to soldiers by paying them promptly and returning them home immediately after the conflict ends. He warns against high-sounding phrases of muddy meaning, insisting that deeds must square with words to ensure a just and permanent peace.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• History
• Politics