# Nationalism and American Identity in An Autobiography

> Theme guide for An Autobiography by Theodore Roosevelt.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [In Cowboy Land](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/iv-in-cowboy-land): 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): 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): 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.
- [The Presidency; Making an Old Party Progressive](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/x-the-presidency-making-an-old-party-progressive): 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.
- [The Big Stick and the Square Deal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/xii-the-big-stick-and-the-square-deal): Roosevelt frames his policies as upholding American ideals of fairness and justice, contrasting his approach with the 'un-American' greed of monopolists.
- [The Monroe Doctrine and the Panama Canal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/xiv-the-monroe-doctrine-and-the-panama-canal): 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): Roosevelt asserts U.S. interests in building the canal, emphasizing national benefit and the need to act decisively against Colombian obstruction.
- [The Peace of Righteousness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/xv-the-peace-of-righteousness): Roosevelt emphasizes American naval strength and the positive impression of the Panama Canal and fleet cruise on foreign nations.
- [Appendix B: The Control of Corporations and 'The New Freedom'](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/appendix-b): Roosevelt appeals to the idea of a free country where the people, not trusts, are masters.
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/chapters/endnotes): Roosevelt's actions, such as the fleet's cruise and the Panama Canal, are framed as asserting American strength and global influence.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/themes/nationalism_and_american_identity
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_autobiography_se/themes