Dialogues
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 10th Calvary
Charles — member of the 10th Calvary
Frederick — member of the 10th Calvary
Andrew — member of the 10th 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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Henry:
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We heard the sea attack failed and are prepared to attack
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:
Roosevelt:
We are, sir!
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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told them that we must proceed single file on a narrow
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:
Narrator 1:
We are ready to fight and will conquer Kettle Hill!
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.
Roosevelt, you had much success at San Juan Hill. What
led to this?
Journalist:
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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white soldiers.
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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Name______________________________
Dialogues
Date: __________
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?
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