Extra! Extra! Teddy Roosevelt Storms the Wrong Hill!

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Extra! Extra!

Teddy Roosevelt Storms the Wrong Hill!

Cast:

Narrator 1 Narrator 2

Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Roosevelt — leader of the assault on Santiago de Cuba William — member of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders

Henry — member of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders Joseph — member of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders

Lieutenant John ―Black Jack‖ Pershing — commander of the 10

^th

Calvary Charles — member of the 10

^th

Calvary

Frederick — member of the 10

^th

Calvary Andrew — member of the 10

^th

Calvary

Journalist

Setting:

After the Civil War, Americans sent help to Cubans who were revolting against Spanish rule. President William McKinley sent ships, including the USS Maine, to act as a calming presence in the Cuban waters. Even though Americans received a friendly reception from the Spanish, American newspapers blamed the Spanish for the explosion of the Maine on February 15, 1898. Inflamed by

outrageous newspaper headlines, Americans called for war; and on April 25

President McKinley declared war on Spain. Theodore Roosevelt took charge of the First Volunteer Cavalry, later known as the Rough Riders. Roosevelt and his

cavalry became famous for their ―solitary‖ assault on San Juan Hill. This event was

misrepresented in newspaper headlines and through Roosevelt’s boasting.

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Scene 1

Narrator 1: The call to defeat Spain came with the backing of major

financial titans of the Gilded Age, which was a time when a few men such as Carnegie, Morgan, and Vanderbilt made incredible fortunes. These men had strong corporate interests in Cuba and found the sinking of the Maine to be useful in instigating war with Spain.

Narrator 2: This period was also one in which many Americans promoted the United States as a land of independent, pioneering spirit. In economics, men made fortunes in new industries while the Wild West was a haven for adventurers wanting to take a chance at a new life.

Narrator 1: With the desire to feed the American conception of

individualistic, pioneering spirit, many Americans believed freeing Cuba from Spanish rule was a noble mission. Theodore Roosevelt was one of these men who led Americans to invade Spanish Cuba.

Narrator 2: Roosevelt led the Rough Riders into battle. They later became the most famous military group in the Spanish-American War.

Theodore Roosevelt: Men of the First Volunteer Calvary, you are selected to destroy Spain and free Cuba! Are you up to the task?

William, Henry, and Joseph: Yes, Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, sir!

Roosevelt: Men, you are a unique mix of educated men from wealthy families in the East and free-spirited cowboys from ranches in the West. Together you symbolize everything America is – an independent people, a free enterprise system, and an adventurous pioneering spirit!

William: Sir, we will gladly follow you into battle anywhere! After

training under you in Texas, we are ready to destroy the

Spanish in Santiago de Cuba!

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on land.

Roosevelt: There are many challenges ahead of us, men. The Spanish are firmly entrenched on San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill, behind barbed wire, and with a full view of the surrounding area. Their position affords them great advantage. We outnumber them, however, eight to one.

Joseph: How do you anticipate we will attack?

Roosevelt: I will lead; and we must go directly into the Spanish line of fire, but never fear, men. We will come out victorious!

With your training and our superior weapons and tactics, we will be successful.

William: What about the other men and regiments traveling with us?

Roosevelt: The other regiments will support our attack. You are the chosen men. You have better clothing and food, as well as better firearms. You will be the ones credited for this battle.

Henry: What other regiments will be joining us?

Roosevelt: Numerous other white regiments will join us. In addition, some African-American regiments of Buffalo Soldiers will support our action.

William: I’ve never heard of these Buffalo Soldiers.

Joseph: That’s because they’re rarely allowed in the main action.

In the past, they’ve fought in some minor battles. Not to mention, who cares what they do or what happens to them? They’re just African Americans.

Henry: Now, now. They are still American citizens. The North

won the Civil War, remember. Their lives are just as

important as ours.

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Roosevelt: Never mind the 2,000 African Americans who are joining us on the boat to Cuba. There are 13,000 men total, and we must all fit on the boat. Let’s go men!

Narrator 2: The transport of the regiments to Cuba was poorly organized, and the Rough Riders almost did not make it aboard the ship to Cuba. In fact, the horses they were supposed to ride to designate them as cavalry did not make the boat, and the men had to fight on foot.

Scene 2

Narrator 1: Most of Spain’s army was positioned around the city of Santiago, Cuba, at San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill.

Narrator 2: Upon arriving in Cuba, Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and two regiments of black soldiers stormed Kettle Hill while 8,000 troops led a four-hour siege on the main objective, San Juan Hill.

Roosevelt: Men of the Rough Riders and you Buffalo Soldiers, Kettle Hill is an important hill for us to take to ensure the destruction of the Spanish! Once we take Kettle Hill, we will join the rest of the men at San Juan Hill. Are you prepared to show your American spirit and lay down your lives if necessary?

William, Henry, and Joseph: We are, sir!

Roosevelt: And what about your Buffalo Soldiers? Where does your allegiance lie?

John Pershing, Andrew, Charles, and Frederick: With America, sir!

Roosevelt: Very good. Lieutenant Pershing, have you briefed your men on what lies ahead?

Pershing: I have informed my men that we are only a small force

but will be expected to take on great responsibility. I have

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path through the thick, jungle-like undergrowth that will make us easy targets to the Spanish. It will be impossible to turn around because the path will be clogged with men.

Andrew: What happens when we leave this path?

Pershing: Beyond the underbrush is an open meadow. Because we will be so exposed, the Spanish will react with a barrage of gunfire at us.

Roosevelt: And yet we must not fail. This is my crowning moment of glory, and we will be victorious! Are you sure your men are prepared to fight to the standards of the Rough Riders? Do they have the courage and pride to fight for their country?

Frederick: Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, we have as much courage and pride, strength and determination, as any one of your Rough Riders. Just because we are not white does not mean we do not have the same loyalty and patriotism as any white American.

Charles: We will fight as well as any white soldier with as much American spirit as the next man. The color of our skin does not change the drive in our hearts.

Pershing: We are ready to fight and will conquer Kettle Hill!

Narrator 1: Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and two regiments of Buffalo Soldiers bravely charged Kettle Hill. A bullet narrowly missed hitting Roosevelt. It struck the tree behind him and showered him with splinters.

Narrator 2: Within an hour, Roosevelt controlled Kettle Hill; but he was still longing for a fight. Seeing the progress at San Juan Hill, Roosevelt rallied his men to join him to help to take the other hill.

Roosevelt: Men! San Juan Hill is still not under American control!

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Let us join the fight and take this key objective!

Pershing: This hill is much closer to the city. It looks like the men there are overtaking the Spanish.

Roosevelt: Nevertheless, we have taken our mark. Now, let’s join and take the other hill!

Narrator 1: Side by side, volunteers and regulars, whites and blacks fought under Roosevelt’s command and endured the blistering heat and driving rain. After four hours, the Americans gained control of San Juan Hill.

Narrator 2: After the battle, Roosevelt took credit for the success at San Juan, claiming a prominent role in the victory. In fact, the victory belonged to all the men at San Juan – whites and blacks alike.

Scene 3

Narrator 1: The aftermath of the success at San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill led to focus on Roosevelt as a hero.

Narrator 2: Americans praised Roosevelt’s efforts and saw the Spanish-American War as a ―splendid little war‖ that boosted the American spirit. Most of the postwar

attention focused primarily on Roosevelt, but the Buffalo Soldiers did come into the spotlight; and white

newspapers finally recognized their service.

Journalist: Roosevelt, you had much success at San Juan Hill. What led to this?

Roosevelt: My Rough Riders followed me faithfully into the rain of gunfire and charged bravely up the hill. We captured San Juan Hill quickly with only two hundred casualties.

Pershing: Don’t forget about the Buffalo Soldiers who joined the

attack. They must be recognized for their efforts. For too

long the Buffalo Soldiers have been pushed into the

shadows in white newspapers while the glory goes to

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Roosevelt: I supposed they do deserve some credit. They did contribute to the manpower.

Pershing: Most definitely. The courage displayed by the soldiers in Cuba impressed me. White regiments, black regiments, regulars and Rough Riders, representing the young manhood of the North and the South, fought shoulder to shoulder, unmindful of race or color, unmindful of whether commanded by an ex-Confederate or not, and mindful only of their common duty as Americans.

Journalist: That is impressive. I have heard that since the war, the Buffalo Soldiers have become something of race heroes.

The African-American community has really taken to them, especially in poetry, dramas, and songs. Their newspapers seem to report nothing else.

Pershing: Well, it’s about time they were given some credit.

Roosevelt: But what about my contributions to the victory? Without my leadership, we never would have taken San Juan Hill!

Journalist: Ah, yes. Of course, without that, the Spanish wouldn’t have tried for a last-ditch naval battle, which failed. They were so weakened by disease, heat, and hunger that I’m surprised they didn’t pack up earlier!

Roosevelt: They surrendered officially on July 14, 1898. What a splendid little war it was. They’re due to withdraw completely on January 1, 1899; and we will move in to restore order.

Journalist: I hear you’re running for president?

Roosevelt: Of course, I am running. With my experience and a

Medal of Honor in my future, I’m sure it’ll be an easy

victory!

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Journalist: We wish you luck in your campaign! The newspapers certainly rely on the strong foundation of American independence and its desire to enrich corporate enterprise!

Narrator 1: With the end of the Spanish-American War, America destroyed Spain’s military and relegated it to a third-rate power. This also marked the United States as one of the most powerful countries in the world.

Narrator 2: Upon taking control of Cuba and other Spanish holdings such as the Philippines, America used the ideas of

Manifest Destiny to enrich its corporate interests, which also fed America’s already-growing sense of control and enterprise.

Epilogue:

After the American military success in Cuba, Spain was never again a world power; and America’s strength and influence on the world stage grew significantly.

Theodore Roosevelt became the twenty-sixth President of the United States, but was not awarded the Medal of Honor. Most Americans believed the newspapers’

glowing accounts of Roosevelt’s exploits with his Rough Riders, but some

believed he was not as glorious as the American press portrayed him. Those who opposed Roosevelt were more concerned with Roosevelt’s poorly planned military actions, his inability to prepare his troops properly, and his inability to provide them with the necessary supplies. Roosevelt continued to find favor with the American public, taking most of the credit for the siege of San Juan Hill.

Unfortunately, the Buffalo Soldiers who fought side by side with the Rough Riders

never received the credit Roosevelt and his chosen men did.

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Extra! Extra!

Teddy Roosevelt Storms the Wrong Hill

Discussion Questions:

1. What were the names of the two hills the Americans took?

2. Who led the Rough Riders?

3. How many regiments of Buffalo Soldiers joined Roosevelt at Kettle Hill?

4. On which hill did Roosevelt actually lead the assault?

5. Why was the Spanish-American War important in America’s rise as a world power?