THEODORE ROOSEVELT: THE AMERICAN GIANT

THEODORE ROOSEVELT: THE AMERICAN GIANT

Qualities of the American Giant

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

FOREIGN & DOMESTIC AFFAIRS

PERSONALITY

AND OTHER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

How TR changed the world

THE ENTHUSIASTIC, CHARISMATIC, OUTGOING LEADER

Besides being an outstanding leader in the U.S., Roosevelt had significant influences in foreign affairs. Since he was one of the first U.S. Presidents to begin working in foreign affairs, he had very high standards to set.

President Teddy Roosevelt was nothing short of an American Icon. His ear-to-ear grin and spectacles were easily recognizable. People even wrote letters to the White House with only a picture of glasses or his toothy grin in the address line.

His love for attention gave him many "firsts" as president.

• He was the first president to ride in a car, plane, and submarine (though the plane ride occurred after he had finished his terms).
• He was the first President to be filmed and communicate to the people through media.
• He was the first to travel abroad during his presidency. He went to Panama to visit the country he helped create and see the canal that would be one of the biggest accomplishments during his time in office.

In Theodore Roosevelt's early years he had severe asthma. Sometimes it was so bad that the attacks left him bedridden and unable to go about his daily life. In order to fight this, young Roosevelt began exercising to adapt his lungs to physical activity. He soon formed a love for what he called "the strenuous life" through activities like gymnastics and weightlifting. In doing this, he also developed a passion for the outdoors.

When the would-be president traveled west to escape from tragedies at home he found adventure as a cowboy and gained new interests such as hunting. His experiences out west created and showcased the tough, brave qualities Roosevelt would be known for.

Another significant action he took in foreign policy was the Roosevelt Corollary. This was an expansion on the Monroe Doctrine, which said that the U.S. would resist any European countries trying to create colonies in any part of the Americas. The Roosevelt Corollary stated that America would intervene in the Latin Americas if they had taken any action that posed a threat to American Security. TR's famous government policy was used to explain incidents in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Because of the corollary, America would help rid Venezuela of a blockade brought on by Germany and Britain. It also guided the Dominican Republic when they fell into great debt and failed to repay it.

Roosevelt's most significant foreign achievement was the construction of the Panama Canal. In the years preceding the Roosevelt administration ships looking to get from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean had to go all the way around South America. These trips took nearly two months. The United States had actively been looking for a way to cut down on the length of the trip. When Panamanians began a revolution, President Roosevelt saw an opportunity for a canal that would serve as a shortcut between the oceans. Panama was happy to give the American Government land after they had supported them in their fight for independence. Ten years later, the Panama Canal was the most important trade route in Western Civilization and was described as one of the world's greatest engineering feats.

Teddy was the definition of motivation in everything he did. Whether it be his public or personal life, he approached all tasks with extreme determination. He said "I always believe in going hard at everything." His drive to succeed made him the leader that created the image of the President as the center of American politics.

FDR described the Panama Canal as "the most important action he ever took in foreign policy."

He continued his active lifestyle into his adult life and presidency. He was fit

and encouraged people to live a healthy lifestyle through example.

Before he was the President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt was the Secretary of the Navy for the William McKinley administration. During the Spanish-American war he saw opportunity for adventure and combat as a Rough Rider. He resigned from his position and joined the group that would help win the war through combat.

In addition to his influences in foreign affairs, Roosevelt took part in some of the biggest changes America had ever seen. He was the first President to ever support the regulation of big businesses. He worked to rid the country of monopolies and trusts so that economic equality would become a reachable goal for the country. He was also the first President to invite a black man into the White House. Booker T. Washington was an advocate for racial equality who had the opportunity to dine with the President to discuss the country's issue of racial discrimination. Most of all, he held himself responsible to the people. Roosevelt loved his country and its democracy and led with a passion that had never been seen.

Before being elected as President, Theodore Roosevelt played a major role in the Spanish-American War. When war broke out in 1898, Roosevelt resigned as Secretary of the Navy and volunteered to lead the Rough Riders in combat. This was a diverse group of soldiers that would become war heroes by the end of the battle for Cuba. Colonel Theodore Roosevelt took charge and led his men to battle the Spanish on Kettle Hill. They boldly ran through a shower of bullets and pushed the Spanish Army off of Kettle Hill.

TR's love for the outdoors influenced his presidency in ways that changed the nation forever. He was responsible for setting aside 230 million acres for wildlife refuges, parks, and national monuments.

At the time, Roosevelt noted it as "the greatest day of his life."

"There can be no greater issue than that of conservation of our country."

-Theodore Roosevelt, 1887

Even after he served his two terms, the American Giant still looked out for the well being of the country. Many of his ideas and influences were included in important national documents like FDR's New Deal, Harry Truman's Fair Deal, JFK's New Frontier, and the Great Society of Lyndon B. Johnson. The core phrase that shaped the way he ran the country was "speak softly and carry a big stick." Roosevelt used this phrase to show that along with the use of words and his glowing personality, he would make actions and value military strength.