Why did Roosevelt believe western cowboys would be good fighters in Cuba?

Roosevelt believed that western cowboys would be good fighters in Cuba because they had something to prove. This stemmed from the notion that cowboys, who often lived in rugged and challenging conditions, embodied a sense of bravery and resilience. Their experiences on the frontier were thought to equip them with the toughness and pioneering spirit needed for warfare. Additionally, the image of the cowboy as a heroic and adventurous figure was a prevalent part of American culture at the time, which reinforced Roosevelt's perception of them as capable fighters.

The other choices do not align with Roosevelt's reasoning. While some cowboys may have had personal motivations or ambitions, it wasn’t specifically language skills or their involvement in WWI that led him to believe in their effectiveness in battle. Therefore, the key factor was the characteristic determination and perceived courage they embodied, which made Roosevelt confident in their ability to fight in the Cuban terrain and climate.