Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt

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The Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt began on September 14, 1901, following the assassination of William McKinley, and ended on March 4, 1909. Roosevelt, a member of the Republican Party, became the 26th President of the United States. His presidency is noted for his progressive policies, strong foreign policy, and efforts in conservation.

Domestic Policies

Roosevelt's domestic policies were characterized by his commitment to progressive reforms. He sought to curb the power of large corporations, which he referred to as "trusts," through antitrust litigation. This earned him the nickname "Trust Buster." Notable actions include the enforcement of the Sherman Antitrust Act and the establishment of the Department of Commerce and Labor.

Square Deal

Roosevelt's domestic program, known as the Square Deal, aimed at helping middle-class citizens and involved attacking plutocracy and bad trusts while protecting business from the extreme demands of organized labor. The Square Deal encompassed three basic ideas: conservation of natural resources, control of corporations, and consumer protection.

Conservation

Roosevelt was a staunch advocate for the conservation of natural resources. He established the United States Forest Service and signed into law the creation of five national parks, 18 national monuments, and 150 national forests. His efforts laid the groundwork for the modern conservation movement.

Foreign Policies

Roosevelt's foreign policy was characterized by his belief in a strong international presence and the use of military power to achieve American goals. His approach is often summarized by the phrase "speak softly, and carry a big stick."

Panama Canal

One of Roosevelt's most significant achievements in foreign policy was the construction of the Panama Canal. He supported the independence of Panama from Colombia and subsequently secured the rights to build and control the canal, which was completed in 1914.

Roosevelt Corollary

In 1904, Roosevelt articulated the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, asserting that the United States had the right to intervene in the affairs of Latin American countries to stabilize the economic affairs of small states in the Caribbean and Central America if they were unable to pay their international debts.

Nobel Peace Prize

Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for his role in mediating the Russo-Japanese War and negotiating the Treaty of Portsmouth.

Legacy

Roosevelt's presidency is often considered one of the most impactful in American history. His progressive policies and strong leadership style left a lasting legacy on the nation. He is consistently ranked by historians and political scientists as one of the greatest U.S. presidents.

Related Pages

• Theodore Roosevelt
• Square Deal
• Panama Canal
• Roosevelt Corollary
• Nobel Peace Prize
• William McKinley
• William Howard Taft