The Rhetorical Analysis Of Theodore Roosevelt's The Strenuous Life

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Theodore Roosevelt is considered as one of the most active and energetic Presidents in American history. The 26th President of the United States had a reputation of bringing attention to Progressive issues at national level. His speech, “The Strenuous Life” reflects his own life experiences, efforts and hardships in life. Roosevelt gave the speech to a group of wealthy people before the Hamilton Club, Chicago on April 10, 1899 after the America Senate signed agreement with Spain that established Philippines as a colony of American state. In his speech, Roosevelt addresses the American nation to shoulder their responsibilities nationally and internationally. He believes that only the strenuous life can play great role in the prosperity and welfare of the individuals and nation as well. Practically, Roosevelt was an ardent supporter of imperialism and wanted America to play integral role in world affairs and politics. This speech also depicts his policy of interventionism and imperialism. Roosevelt defends American imperialism by taking America’s national interests into consideration. However, his imperialist approach in foreign policies raises many questions for the audience sitting outside the borders of America. In a nutshell, Roosevelt associates a strong individual to a strong nation. He believes that …show more content…

Roosevelt gains criticism from the Congress and American people for his imperialist approach. Through his speech, he tries to convince the audience of his imperialist approach. His argument relating to it is quite weak and makes the argument less viable and credible. He believes that it is the role of developed nations to play role for “advancing the…civilization. This point deteriorates his argument as he tries to prove the people of developing nation less sensible. Concrete facts would have strengthened the point of argument which can make point of Roosevelt

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