Over 100 Years Later, Teddy Roosevelt’s Line on Preparing for War Remains One of the Greatest Military Quotes in All of Armed Forces History

Automatically curated summary from 19FortyFive.

In an article by Stephen Silver, the author traces George Washington’s 1790 maxim on war preparation to Theodore Roosevelt’s July 1897 speech at the Naval War College, where Roosevelt adapted it to state that preparing for war guarantees peace. Silver highlights how Roosevelt advocated for a strong naval fleet over arbitration treaties, serving with the Rough Riders before becoming president in 1901. Citing sources including a Theodore Roosevelt Association biography, the text details Roosevelt's military, environmental, and diplomatic legacy.

Context and limitations

The excerpt reflects commentary and biographical summaries by Stephen Silver and the Theodore Roosevelt Association rather than primary historical documentation or a full archival record.