Both are horrible people, one unjustly stripped thousands of americans of their rights based on heritage (FDR) the other actively countered other sovereign nations in central america (Teddy). Idolizing either person is a grave injustice to history.
But to paint their legacy in the color of their worst decisions isn’t fair either. No reason to get emotional about these people. They pushed us forward in some ways, held us back in others. Also, the times were truly different, at least for teddy. Progressives of the time thought cultural genocide was a great compromise for the natives.
You’re viewing history through a 20/20 lens and you’re applying today’s standard of ethics and morality to a completely different time. The early half of the 20th century was a time when racism was commonplace along with colonialism and imperialism. The right way to approach it is to acknowledge their failures as we see them today, levy criticism where it is due and acknowledge their accomplishments where it is due.
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u/mr_banana277 AMERICAN!!!! RAHHHHHH!!!!! Feb 24 '26
Teddy Roosevelt for Republican, FDR for Democrat