Legacy + Impact

More than a century after his death, Theodore Roosevelt remains a vivid presence in American life and conversation. His energetic, fearless, and outspoken personality still represents the ideal of bold, principled leadership. Modern political figures across the spectrum invoke Roosevelt’s name when discussing conservation, courage, or reform. His “Citizenship in a Republic” speech, delivered at the Sorbonne in 1910 and known for its “man in the arena” passage, continues to inspire people around the world to dare greatly, even at the risk of failure. Roosevelt’s adventurous spirit also captures the public imagination: his Smithsonian-Roosevelt African Expedition of 1909–1910 and his later exploration down the River of Doubt with Brazilian Colonel Cândido Mariano da Silva Rondon remain legendary examples of scientific discovery and personal endurance. Conservationists still cite his creation of national parks and wildlife refuges as the foundation of America’s environmental movement, while his push for fairness through the “Square Deal” echoes in ongoing debates about corporate power and social justice. Roosevelt’s larger-than-life character—cowboy, soldier, naturalist, reformer, and writer—makes him a timeless figure who bridges the past and present. Whether through renewed interest in his wilderness preservation efforts, discussions of his complex legacy on issues of race and imperialism, or the enduring appeal to action, Theodore Roosevelt continues to shape how Americans think about leadership, citizenship, conservation, and the call to live passionately.