POTUS

Theodore Roosevelt (as President)

Theodore Roosevelt, often referred to as “Teddy,” served as the 26th United States President from 1901 to 1909. He is a pivotal figure in American history, particularly known for his Progressivism, energetic personality, and his impact on both domestic and foreign policy.

Early Life and Career

• Born in 1858 in New York City.
• Graduated from Harvard.
• Served in the New York State Assembly.
• Experienced personal tragedy with the simultaneous deaths of his wife and mother in 1884.
• Worked as a rancher in the Dakotas, which profoundly shaped his views on the American West and conservation.
• Served as Police Commissioner of New York City.
• Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President William McKinley.

Events Associated With

• Spanish-American War: Roosevelt famously resigned as Assistant Secretary of the Navy to form the “Rough Riders,” a volunteer regiment that fought in Cuba. His bravery and leadership in the war made him a national hero.
• Assassination of William McKinley: Roosevelt became president in September 1901 after McKinley was assassinated.
• Panama Canal: Roosevelt played a significant role in securing the construction of the Panama Canal, viewing it as vital for American trade and military power.
• Russo-Japanese War (mediation): He successfully mediated the end of the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Coal Strike of 1902: Roosevelt intervened in a major coal strike, threatening to seize the mines and have the army operate them, ultimately leading to a compromise that benefited the workers.
• Great White Fleet: Ordered a fleet of battleships on a world tour to demonstrate American naval power.
• Election of 1912: Ran for president as a third-party candidate under the Bull Moose Party after unsuccessfully seeking the Republican nomination.

Important Legislation Signed

• Meat Inspection Act: Passed in 1906, this law established federal regulations for meatpacking plants, ensuring sanitary conditions and quality control. It was spurred by the publication of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle.
• Pure Food and Drug Act: Also passed in 1906, this law prohibited the manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated or misbranded food and drugs. This was also spurred by the publication of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle.
• Hepburn Act: Passed in 1906, this law strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) and gave it the power to regulate railroad rates.
• Newlands Reclamation Act: Passed in 1902, it authorized federal funding for irrigation projects in the arid western states.

Groups and Parties Affiliated With

• Republicans: Roosevelt was initially a Republican and served as president under the Republican banner.
• Bull Moose Party: In 1912, he formed the Progressive Party (nicknamed the “Bull Moose Party”) to run for president when he was unable to secure the Republican nomination.
• Sierra Club: A noted conservationist, Roosevelt worked closely with organizations like the Sierra Club to promote environmental protection.

Impact on the Country

• Progressivism: Roosevelt was a leading figure in the Progressive Era, advocating for social justice, economic reform, and government regulation.
• "Square Deal": His domestic policy aimed at balancing the interests of business, labor, and consumers. It focused on the “Three C’s”: conservation of natural resources, control of corporations, and consumer protection.
• Trust-Busting: He aggressively enforced the Sherman Antitrust Act to break up monopolies and promote competition, earning him the nickname “Trustbuster.”
• Conservation: He significantly expanded the national park system and established numerous national forests and wildlife refuges, greatly advancing the conservation movement.
• Foreign Policy: He adopted a more assertive foreign policy, famously summarized as “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” His Roosevelt Corollary (to Monroe Doctrine) asserted the right of the United States to intervene in the affairs of Latin American countries.
• The “Bully Pulpit”: He revolutionized the presidency by using it as a platform to advocate for his policies and mobilize public opinion.
• Increased Presidential Power: He greatly expanded the power and prestige of the presidency, setting a precedent for future leaders.

Roosevelt’s presidency marked a turning point in American history, ushering in an era of greater government intervention in the economy and society. His legacy as a conservationist, trustbuster, and advocate for the “common man” continues to resonate today.