In 1897, William McKinley was inaugurated as the 25th President of the United States. As an advocate of tariffs and protectionist policies, McKinley believed in strengthening the country's economy through trade and industry. However, it was his successor, Theodore Roosevelt, who would become known for his bold and assertive approach to foreign policy, famously encapsulated in his "big stick" policy.
US president Theodore Roosevelt borrowed his famous phrase "speak softly and carry a big stick" from a West African proverb, and memorized it as a guiding principle in his presidency. This ideology reflected his belief in peaceful negotiation backed by the threat of military force, a strategy that would shape his actions on the domestic and international stage.
The Progressive Era, as the period in history at the turn of the 20th century has come to be known, was a time of tremendous social, political, and economic change in the United States. Roosevelt's presidency during this era was marked by his efforts to regulate big business, protect consumers, and conserve natural resources. However, it was his foreign policy that truly exemplified his "big stick" approach.
Historians long have credited Alfred Thayer Mahan with shaping Theodore Roosevelt's ideas about sea power. Mahan's theories on the importance of a strong navy and control of strategic waterways influenced Roosevelt's decision to build up the US Navy as a demonstration of American power and presence on the world stage.
One of the key actions that exemplified Roosevelt's big stick policy was the construction of the Panama Canal. By backing Panamanian rebels in their fight for independence from Colombia, Roosevelt secured the rights to build and control the canal, a vital waterway that would greatly enhance American naval capabilities and trade routes.
Another example of Roosevelt's assertive foreign policy was his handling of the Russo-Japanese War. Acting as a mediator, Roosevelt brokered the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905, ending the conflict and earning him the Nobel Peace Prize. This diplomatic success showcased his ability to use both soft and hard power to achieve his goals.
In matters of national security, Roosevelt's big stick policy was evident in his establishment of the Great White Fleet. This fleet of American battleships was sent on a world tour to demonstrate US naval strength and project American influence abroad. It was a clear message to other nations that the United States was a force to be reckoned with.
At home, Roosevelt's enforcement of antitrust laws and regulation of big business also reflected his big stick approach. By taking on powerful corporations like Standard Oil and Northern Securities, Roosevelt demonstrated that he was willing to use government power to ensure fair competition and protect consumers from monopolistic practices.
In conclusion, President Theodore Roosevelt's big stick policy was a bold and assertive approach to foreign and domestic affairs. His conviction that white men of European descent were innately superior informed his actions on matters from national parks to foreign diplomacy. By speaking softly and carrying a big stick, Roosevelt was able to navigate the complex challenges of his time and leave a lasting legacy as a strong and effective leader.
