Theodore Roosevelt's opening address at the Governors' Conference, May 13, 1908 -- Theodore Roosevelt and the politics of conservation -- The environmental and rhetorical landscape -- Roosevelt and the modern rhetorical presidency -- The Governors' Conference -- Roosevelt's rhetorical legacy -- Notes
Summary
Among Theodore Roosevelt's many initiatives, one of the most important accomplishments was his effort to convince the nation that conserving the environment was crucial to its continued existence. Years of national tours, presidential edicts, and policy wrangling culminated in an unprecedented conference of governors at the White House in 1908. Leroy G. Dorsey explores the rhetorical power of Roosevelt's address at this historic conservation summit, specifically examining how the president popularized the notion of conservation in the public consciousness. Much has been written on Roosevelt's
