The Invention of the Teddy Bear

1. The Invention of the Teddy Bear Sabrina Hill

2. The Inventor • Morris Michtom was the inventor of the teddy bear. He began selling them in his store in February of 1903. • Around the same time as Michtom, an inventor in Germany was coming up with the same idea.

3. Background • The idea of the Teddy Bear likely came from one of Theodore Roosevelt’s hunting trips. The name of the Teddy Bear came from Theodore’s nickname “Teddy”. Michtom’s original name for the toy was “Teddy’s Bear”. This political demonstrates where the idea of the Teddy Bear came from. A few of Roosevelt’s men tied up a bear and had it as a target for Roosevelt to shoot. Roosevelt did not take up the offer and refused to shoot it because it was unsportsmanlike.

4. Unintended Effects • The Teddy Bear wasn’t expected to be such a big sensation as it was. It became a well-known children’s toy back then, and is still a well-known children’s toy today.

5. Intended Use • Morris Michtom intended for the Teddy Bear to be a children’s toy. He expected it to entertain children of all ages in the early 1900’s.

6. Quiz Questions • Question #1: What was the name of the inventor of the Teddy Bear? • Question #2: In which year did the Teddy Bear first go on sale? • Question #3: Who is the Teddy Bear made after?

7. Quiz Answers • Answer #1: Morris Michtom • Answer #2: 1903 • Answer #3: Theodore Roosevelt

8. Site Links • http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-teddy-bear-goes-on-sale • http://www.theteddybearmuseum.com/history.htm