Romantic moment in American military history: The Rough Riders
War with Spain in 1898
Theodore Roosevelt's role as Assistant Secretary of the Navy
Proposal to raise a volunteer cavalry regiment from the Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas)
Emphasis on recruiting tough men with experience in the American West
Recruitment and Composition
New Mexico had the largest contingent with 350 Rough Riders
Recruitment driven by New Mexico Governor Otero
Motivations included:
Fighting for the USA
Liberation of Cuba
Aspiration for New Mexico statehood
Role of the Railroad
Crucial for recruitment logistics
Connected communities and facilitated movement of recruits
Significant moment on Santa Fe Plaza where recruits took their oath
Theodore Roosevelt's Influence
Roosevelt's excitement upon meeting the Rough Riders
His background as a cowboy and ranch owner in North Dakota
Key Figure: Captain Maximiliano Luna
Prominent New Mexican Rough Rider
Background:
From a notable New Mexico family
Former sheriff and state legislator
Personal mission:
Prove loyalty of Hispanic families in New Mexico to the USA
Overcome Spanish blood ties perception
Campaign in Cuba
Some companies initially left behind
Luna's successful plea to be included in the Cuba campaign
Objective: Show loyalty and capability of New Mexicans
Significance of San Juan Hill
Roosevelt led Rough Riders in the charge
Symbolic planting of the American flag
Transition from old Wild West to a modern industrial America
Impact on New Mexico Statehood
Rough Riders' contribution pivotal for statehood aspirations
Roosevelt's presidency increased New Mexico's political influence
Proved New Mexicans as loyal Americans
Rough Rider Reunions
1899: Notable photograph of Theodore Roosevelt at the first reunion
Reunions continued at Castaneda Hotel in New Mexico
Marked the shared historical achievement of transforming USA's destiny
Key Takeaway: The Rough Riders, under Theodore Roosevelt, played a crucial role in shaping American history, influencing New Mexico's path to statehood, and marking a cultural shift from the Wild West to a modern America.