Theodore Roosevelt, Conservation, and the 1908 Governors’ Conference

Among Theodore Roosevelt’s many initiatives, oneof the most important accomplishments was hiseffort to convince the nation that conserving theenvironment was crucial to its continued existence.For much of his presidency-often withoutcongressional assent-he acted to protect wildlifeand the natural world he so loved. Years of nationaltours, presidential edicts, and policy wranglingculminated in an unprecedented conference ofgovernors at the White House in 1908. LeroyG. Dorsey explores the rhetorical power ofRoosevelt’s address at this historic conservationsummit, specifically examining how the presidentpopularized the notion of conservation in the publicconsciousness.

Much has been written on Roosevelt’s conservationpolicy, but surprisingly little attention has beengiven to this pivotal moment in the rhetorical rallyon its behalf. This book fills an important void inthe history of conservation, not only for studentsof political rhetoric but for all who seek a deeperunderstanding of a president so identified as achampion of the environment.