A Hero’s Welcome: Theodore Roosevelt’s Triumphal Tour of Europe in 1910

Abstract

One most extraordinary thing about the ex-president’s European tour was his and the United States’ popularity and prestige. Another was that everywhere he went, he was perfectly attuned to his interlocutors, not simply on account of his charm and sociability, but also especially thanks to his phenomenal knowledge of their cultures. In that sense, he was a rare breed of American, cosmopolitan and erudite, and an omnivorous reader to boot. America could not have sent a better messenger, a greater statesman, respected and admired, with a touch of the heroic in that he had experienced fighting in a war, ranching out West, and hunting big game. It took an exceptional personality to undertake this unprecedented tour (which physically was a tour de force). It was for the times a unique experience for both the Europeans and their illustrious visitor.

The American people have been brought to a realization of the high position they occupy in the world’s affairs by the character of the reception which was accorded in Africa and Europe to Theodore Roosevelt, their former President.

John Callan O’Laughlin, 1910¹