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Franklin Roosevelt should be given a given a grade of an B+ due to his multiple contributions to the stability of the United States leaving a current and lasting legacy of his presidency. Some of his strongest contributions to the United States included his policies known for his progressive ideas and reforms. Roosevelt was known for his strong character and was described by many as being extremely charismatic, described some that his greatest gift was of “Personal magnetism” (Morris). This permitted him to be revered by the public and allowed him to accomplish his goals as a reformer and moralizer. His strong character was not always established positively-- he was considered by some as a bully and hard-hitting. For example, when he was refused funding by Congress to expand a navy, he simply built a fleet that he had tour the globe, establishing a high profile public relations force. When he was half way across the globe and had no money to bring them home, Congress was shamed into funding his project. He is quoted to this day by those who believe that strength coupled with quiet assuredness is the key to power. One of the most popular quotes is that one should “ Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far  ” (Roosevelt). During Roosevelt’s inaugural speech he stated his progressive ideas to reform “a full acknowledgment of the responsibility which is ours; and a fixed determination to show that under a free government a mighty people can thrive best”( Roosevelt). This statement expressed his strong forward thinking mentality towards America meeting its best potential. Roosevelt’s ideas were reflected through his square deal policy which listed his desire for protection of the three “C’s”: control of the corporations, consumer protection, and conservation of natural resources. Another major affect Roosevelt had on the United States was his extension of executive power as well as making America become more imperialistic. His imperialistic endeavors included the construction of Panama Canal and his control of the Carribean. His goals of Imperialism and making the world see America as a strong force followed these basic positions. One of President Roosevelt’s most lasting enduring reforms was his stride towards preservation of natural resources. Roosevelt had a strong understanding of the finite resources of timber and minerals within the US and made multiple acts to halt the waste. The acts included the Desert Land Act of 1877, Forest Reserve Act 1891, Carey Act of 1894, and the Newlands Act. This acts included attempts towards irrigation and lumber protection with the help of the federal government. The resources protected mainly included lumber, soil, coal, and water. Also, these Acts established the first national parks which were created in an attempt to preserve valuable resources. Preservation and conservation was an original idea during the time of Roosevelt’s presidency. Another major effect that Roosevelt had on the country was the shift towards Imperialism. One of his greatest successes was his help towards the construction of the Panama Canal. Although the path towards the construction to the canal was unsteady due to the country’s internal control. Columbia was not as willing to give up the land to the US without just compensation and rejected the first attempt of a treaty between them and the US. Roosevelt felt discouraged and saw the opportunity-- while the unhappy Panamanians to have a revolution and allow an overall better situation for America including more land with the Hay Bunau-Varilla treaty. Roosevelt blocked the Columbian’s attempt to stop the revolution. Although this caused European powers to question America’s views on morals and question their imperialistic goals, Roosevelt paved the path to create the Panama Canal a great asset to the future generations of the United States. Roosevelt’s attempt towards foreign policy can be described as morally questionable, but in full favor of the United States. His foreign policy had been described as his “Big Stick” Policy in which he extended the Monroe Doctrine with the Roosevelt Corollary which stated America’s ideas about control and intervention towards the Caribbean. The corollary kept American influence on the Caribbean and was effective in collecting debt and keeping other foreign powers outside of the Caribbean. Roosevelt had multiple goals through progressive reform within his Square Deal policy. Roosevelt wanted to protect the consumers and public interest during the times. Through this he established his anti trust policy. Passing the Elkins Act of 1903 and Hepburn Act was the beginning of the end of railroad monopolies in which corruption was evident. He began to establish his policy towards “bad” trusts that were exploiting consumers and “good” trusts that were reasonable towards consumers. An example of Roosevelt protecting public interest was when he reacted to __The Jungle__ by Upton Sinclair’s portrayal of the meat packaging industries and urged Congress to pass the Meat Inspection Act of 1906, creating federal inspection of the unsanitary meat packaging industry. An unpleasant part of Roosevelt’s presidency was when he was blamed for the Panic of 1907 due to his anti industry trust busting policies. Although Roosevelt was annoyed by this accusation he helped pass the Aldrich-Vreeland Act, which allowed banks to produce more currency as long as it was backed up by collateral. A poor decision by Roosevelt regarding labor control was when Roosevelt also used his “Big Stick Policy” when miners began to strike within Pennsylvania. He threatened to take control of the mines with federal troops. During the compromise the miner union was not recognized. This action set back the future for recognition of labor unions. Roosevelt’s relationship with Congress was not very strong, although since he believed he did not need Congress he coerced them into passing multiple bills. Although the connection was not so strong or friendly, they still passed multiple bills that led to strong progressive reforms. An example of the sort of wit that made him popular was when he said, “ When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer "Present" or "Not guilty" (Roosevelt). As an aside, Roosevelt was a strong personality who lived life fully. His is one of the faces carved into the mountainside at Mount Rushmore. He, along with Washington. Lincoln and Jefferson, represent well-loved leaders. He was an avid fencer, favoring saber and singlestick. Theodore Roosevelt was a popular president and a strong American personality. He strengthen world respect for the United States and was recognized with a Nobel Peace prize for his mediation skills when he brokered a peace between foreign powers. Roosevelt, Theodore. First Inaugural Speech. (20 Nov 2009) . Roosevelt, Theodore. //Brainy Quote//. (20 Nov 2009) http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/t/theodore_roosevelt.html>. Martin, Kelly, //Theodore Roosevelt: Twenty-Sixth President of the United States.// About.com (20 Nov 2009) < []  >. Morris, Edmund. Theodore Roosevelt, President. American Heritage. June/July 1981. Article 13. P. 89. Whitehouse. Theodore Roosevelt. (20 Nov. 2009) < []  >. 
 * Presidential Wiki Assignments For AP US History **
 * Theodore Roosevelt ** (October 27, 1858- January 5, 1919)
 * Party ** : **Republican 1897-1912 (** Progressive Party (presidential candidate 1912); Republican Party Presidential candidate (1904); Republican Party vice presidential candidate 1900.)
 * Terms of Office ** : 26th President September 14, 1901-March 4, 1909.
 * Vice President by term ** : 26th President none 1901-1905; Charles W. Fairbanks (1905-1909).