Even though it seems like the teddy bear has always been a part of childhood, the toy is a relatively new invention. Named for President Theodore Roosevelt, the teddy bear was introduced in 1902. It was inspired by a political cartoon, published in the Washington Post, entitled "Drawing the Line in Mississippi." The cartoon featured President Roosevelt refusing to shoot a small bear on a hunting exhibition. The bear pictured is very small and seemingly innocent. The cartoon was a visual representation of Roosevelt's diplomatic handling of border disputes. Shortly after the cartoon was published, teddy bears were simultaneously introduced to the market in both the United States and Germany. Shopkeepers Morris and Rose Michtom displayed a cuddly handmade teddy bear in their retail window. The couple originally didn't intend to sell the bear, but the demand was so high that they started to reproduce them. Rose Michtom wrote President Roosevelt asking for permission to officially dub the toy bears Teddy's Bears. In 1903, a German toy inventor name Richard Steiff introduced a stuffed bear at the Leipzig toy fair. European toy buyers were not impressed, but the Michtoms were quick to order 3,000 of these bears to meet the growing demands of their customers. Teddy bears remain very popular today and few people are aware of the toy's relatively recent origins. Children and adults alike continue to adore teddy bears. Unlike many toys, teddy bears are comfort toys that relieve stress. Much like baby dolls, the teddy bear encourages creative play and encourages social interaction in young children. When President Roosevelt granted the Michtoms permission to use his name for a stuffed bear, he had no idea of the lasting impression his toy namesake would make. | 
