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The Rough Riders · Theme
Race and Military Service
How The Rough Riders develops Race and Military Service.
Roosevelt acknowledges the contributions of African American regulars (the 'colored' cavalry), praising their fighting qualities, though within the racial attitudes of his era, referring to them as 'smoked Yankees.'
Where it surfaces
- IV: The Cavalry at Santiago
Roosevelt's interaction with retreating colored infantrymen and the eventual acceptance of black soldiers by the Rough Riders highlights racial tensions and camaraderie.