The Rough Rider: Theodore RooseveltIn the early 1900s, Theodore Roosevelt blessed the world with Rough Riders, a sort of "biography" that recounts Roosevelt's experiences as leader. the illustrious 1st Volunteer of the United States. Cavalry, better known as the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War. The Rough Riders were assembled by Roosevelt, who was looking for specific traits in his men. The traits of these men were considered the model of masculinity in Roosevelt's era and it was this cultural view of masculinity that formed what Roosevelt considered the finest group of soldiers ever assembled. At the time, society required these men to be of a certain race, all displaying this air of masculinity. Roosevelt took what society had instilled in him and found it correct. Contrary to popular belief, Roosevelt was not considered a physically superior man. In fact, he was pretty average. Roosevelt as a child was ill and suffered from severe asthma, which caused him many ailments. His father remedied this problem by emphasizing the need for Theodore to be physically fit. By the time Theodore Roosevelt was in college, he had overcome most of his childhood illnesses. This is what caused Roosevelt to be so selective when building the Rough Riders, "...only after the most rigorous examination of their physical capabilities." (10) Would Roosevelt approve of a capable soldier to serve in his unit. Roosevelt specifically sought academic men, those who had been athletes, those who actually sought "hard and dangerous service" (12), men who lived on the frontier and used the rifle as a means of livelihood, and those who considered war as a means of subsistence. he did it. Roosevelt considered war a romantic idea. The only way men in history can become great is through war, and Roosevelt believed in that with all his heart. This is why in the book; one of the key characteristics he looked for was the will to fight. He wanted his soldiers to have the same feeling of war as he did. In describing one of his officers, Roosevelt identified the traits that made the man such a great soldier. "He was the fifth descendant of father to son to serve in the United States Army, and physically and mentally he was fit to play his role to perfection..