# How does An Autobiography develop the theme of Nationalism and American Identity?

> An Autobiography by Theodore Roosevelt

## Answer

An Autobiography by Theodore Roosevelt develops Nationalism and American Identity across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The book promotes a strong, assertive American nationalism, advocating for a powerful navy, the Monroe Doctrine, and a foreign policy of 'speak softly and carry a big stick,' while critiquing pacifism and disarmament.

Roosevelt frames the passing of the Wild West as a national gain, celebrating the homesteader as the ideal American settler who builds the country.

Roosevelt discusses the need for the United States to take its foreign duties seriously and to be prepared for war to avoid dishonor, linking national greatness to military readiness.

Roosevelt highlights the self-respecting identification of American citizens with their President, as seen in the navy crew's cheers and the values of discipline and mutual respect.

## Evidence

- [iv-in-cowboy-land](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/iv-in-cowboy-land.md): Roosevelt frames the passing of the Wild West as a national gain, celebrating the homesteader as the ideal American settler who builds the country.
- [vii-the-war-of-america-the-unready](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/vii-the-war-of-america-the-unready.md): Roosevelt discusses the need for the United States to take its foreign duties seriously and to be prepared for war to avoid dishonor, linking national greatness to military readiness.
- [ix-outdoors-and-indoors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/ix-outdoors-and-indoors.md): Roosevelt highlights the self-respecting identification of American citizens with their President, as seen in the navy crew's cheers and the values of discipline and mutual respect.
- [x-the-presidency-making-an-old-party-progressive](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/x-the-presidency-making-an-old-party-progressive.md): Roosevelt's view of the President as a 'steward of the people' and his belief in using national power for the common well-being reflect a strong sense of American nationalism.
- [xii-the-big-stick-and-the-square-deal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/xii-the-big-stick-and-the-square-deal.md): Roosevelt frames his policies as upholding American ideals of fairness and justice, contrasting his approach with the 'un-American' greed of monopolists.
- [xiv-the-monroe-doctrine-and-the-panama-canal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/xiv-the-monroe-doctrine-and-the-panama-canal.md): Roosevelt emphasizes the duty of the United States to assert its rights and fulfill its responsibilities as a great nation, framing the Panama Canal as a national and international necessity.
- [appendix-a](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/appendix-a.md): Roosevelt asserts U.S. interests in building the canal, emphasizing national benefit and the need to act decisively against Colombian obstruction.
- [xv-the-peace-of-righteousness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/xv-the-peace-of-righteousness.md): Roosevelt emphasizes American naval strength and the positive impression of the Panama Canal and fleet cruise on foreign nations.

## Links

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