In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, Theodore Roosevelt organized a volunteer cavalry unit composed of cowboys and ranchers. By what name were these people collectively known, and in what country did they primarily do their fighting?

When the Spanish-American War broke out in 1898, Theodore Roosevelt, then Assistant Secretary of the Navy, resigned his post to help form the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry. This unique regiment was a colorful mix of men from all walks of life, including Western cowboys, ranchers, and lawmen alongside Ivy League athletes and wealthy East Coast socialites. The press quickly sensationalized the unit, giving them the popular and enduring nickname the "Rough Riders."

After training in Texas, the regiment was shipped out for the Caribbean. Their primary and most famous combat experience took place in Cuba, the main theater of war for American ground forces. Ironically, despite being a cavalry unit, logistical challenges meant most of their horses were left behind in Florida. As a result, the Rough Riders fought almost entirely on foot as infantry.

Their defining moment came on July 1, 1898, during the pivotal Battle of San Juan Hill. The Rough Riders, led by Roosevelt on horseback, famously charged up the adjacent Kettle Hill under heavy fire, helping to secure a crucial victory for the American forces. The intense press coverage of this daring assault cemented the unit's legendary status and turned Theodore Roosevelt into a national war hero, propelling his future political career.