Theodore Roosevelt And the Modern Presidency I. Early Political Career Despite ridicule from his educated and respectable friends, Roosevelt entered politics immediately after graduating from Harvard College in 1880. In 1881,Roosevelt showed the strength of his intention by winning election to the New York State Assembly. He gained reelection twice before personal tragedy, On February 14,1884, in a tragic coincidence, Roosevelt’s young wife died in childbirth just hours after the death of his beloved mother. Emotionally …showed first 75 words of 1143 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1143 total…number of acres of national forests. He supported laws requiring mine owners to improve safety. He established the Children’s Bureau, a federal agency that protected the rights and interests of children. By 1912 Roosevelt had become completely disillusioned with Taft, he was upset over Taft’s failure to exert strong public leadership. With a new presidential eledion on the horizon, Roosevelt wondered if Taft was enough of a progressive activists to warrant his continued support.