Theodore Roosevelt was an American politician, writer and military figure who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909. He entered the presidency after the assassination of William McKinley and was elected to a full term in 1904. His domestic programme, known as the Square Deal, promoted greater federal oversight of large corporations, consumer protection and conservation. His administration also expanded the national forests and protected extensive areas of public land.

Roosevelt had gained national prominence as a leader of the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War. In foreign affairs, he supported construction of the Panama Canal and helped mediate the Russo-Japanese War, for which he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906. A prolific author of history, politics and natural history, Roosevelt remained active after leaving office, including a presidential campaign for the Progressive Party in 1912 and a scientific expedition to the Amazon basin in 1913–14.