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__Theodore Roosevelt__** (October 27, 1858 - January 6, 1919)

Political Party: Republican

Terms of Office: September 14, 1901 - March 4, 1909 (two terms)

Vice President: None (1901-1905), Charles W. Fairbanks (1905-1909)

Theodore Roosevelt. What sort of man was this who entered presidency following the tragic death of William McKinley? Perhaps the most interesting man of the age, Roosevelt had a personality that could baffle even the most conservative politician. He was an aggressive man and his "big stick" policy managed to change the role of president forever. Roosevelt had so many aspects to his character that it is impossible to list all of them. He was an avid reader, scholar, naturalist, hunter, and soldier. As the Rough Rider stumbled upon office, a drastic change to the nation was sure to arrive with him. Progressivism was in full swing and Theodore Roosevelt's dedication to this movement heavily influenced his administration. Unfortunate to say, it is quite possible that McKinley's death was beneficial to the nation since Roosevelt was then propelled onto center stage. He was perhaps the perfect man to lead the country, as he later went on to prove. Theodore Roosevelt was one of the greatest presidents of all time and he brought something to the table that no one had before: personality. His nature appealed to the masses and he was the most popular president up to that time. He deserves the highest accolades, which includes a grade of A. Specifically, his effort in conservation, aggressive executive action, and handling of affairs demonstrate his awesome role as president.

Roosevelt had many goals and achieved them in spectacular showings of presidential power. One of his main goals was to regulate the trusts. In 1902, Roosevelt filed a suit against the Northern Securities Company. It was a giant railroad combination, led by the influential J.P. Morgan, that was denounced as a monoply. Clearly, it violated the Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890. Two years later, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the government and ordered the company dismantled. The business community was now wary of this new "trust buster". Roosevelt continued his policy of regulation by having the Elkins Act of 1903 passed. This ended the practice of railroad companies granting shipping rebates to certain companies. Rebates allowed the larger companies to have an advantage over the smaller companies. However, it was not effective as the companies were able to find a way through. Roosevelt realized that something more was needed. The Hepburn Act of 1906 was his solution. The Interstate Commerce Commission was given the power to regulate shipping rates on railroads. Also, the practice of handing out free passes to friends of the railroads was stopped. As one can understand, the president had a large role at home. In foreign policy, he was even more of a force to be reckoned with. Roosevelt believed in imperialism and he sought to make America a huge global power. He is responisble for the Panama Canal and Roosevelt Corollary. He is also credited with the mediation of the Russo-Japanese War, which ended in the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905. Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize the next year for his successful efforts. Another shining achievement was his choice to send out the "Great White Fleet" on a world tour in 1907. He significantly increased the size of the navy in his time and wanted to impress the other nations around the world.

Though he believed that the president was the center of American politics, Roosevelt had a great relationship with Congress. With a Republican majority, Roosevelt managed to push his policies through with relative ease. The Hepburn Act, previously mentioned, encountered some resistance in Congress when first proposed. By making a direct appeal to the people, Roosevelt succeeded in pressuring the Senate to approve the legislation. In the case where Congress did not agree, he was able to garner public support for his ideas and thus succeed. Other important pieces of legislation were the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and the Meat Inspection Act of 1906. The Jungle, a book describing the filthy conditions of the meatpacking industry, had caused a public uproar and Roosevelt responded to their cries. These acts provided for labeling of food and drugs, inspection of livestock, and mandated sanitary conditions at meatpacking plants. Roosevelt cared for the consumer; a simple fact that broadened his appeal.

A number of things can be considered the best or most positive outcome of Roosevelt's presidency. However, his contributions to conservation stand out the most and have had the most lasting impact. Roosevelt was the nation's first conservationist president. He preached the need to preserve woodlands and mountain ranges as places of refuge and retreat. He identified the American character with the wilderness and was devoted to conserving natural resources. He wanted the United States to change from exploiting resources to carefully managing them. Working with Gifford Pinchot, Roosevel signed the Newlands Act in 1902. Money from federal land sales would be used to build dams in the west for irrigation purposes. Roosevelt established the United States Forest Service, created five national parks. and signed the Antiquities Act in 1906. This led to the proclamation of eighteen U.S. National Monuments, one of which is the Grand Canyon. Roosevelt used his executive powers to create 150 new national forests, increasing the amount of protected land from 42 million acres to 172 million acres. Theodore Roosevelt set aside more federal land for national parks and nature preserves than all of his predecessors combined. That is a truly impressive accomplishment. Roosevelt opened the eyes of many Americans to the simple fact that care for the environment must be taken if prosperity is to go on. Today the world is doing its best to "go green" with recycling, alternative energy, and a smarter public all forwarding the cause. Without a doubt, Roosevelt pushed this movement along.

The most negative outcome is also debatable. In one viewpoint, the Roosevelt Corollary can take this title. Roosevelt turned toward Latin America during his first term. In 1902, German and British ships were sent to Venezuela to blockade its coastline. These European nations had loaned money to Venezuela and the Venezuelan dictator refused to repay. Santo Domingo, now the Dominican Republic, had similar problems with European countries. After the government appealed to the United States, Roosevelt assumed control of the customs houses and collect duties to avoid possible European military action. It was during this period that Roosevelt created his Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. He stated that the United States would intervene in any Latin American country that had defaulted on their debts to European creditors, making it unnecessary for the Europeans to intervene. It was basically a message saying that the United States could intervene to prevent another nation from intervening. This "policeman" policy created much resentment in Latin American and effectively turned the Caribbean into a Yankee lake. Roosevelt claimed that he wanted to maintain regional stability but in reality it was his imperialistic desire for the spread of American influence. He also tarnished the name of Monroe by tacking his idea onto the famous doctrine of non-intervention. Some Latin Americans thought it was Monroe's doing but they were sadly ignorant. This was a selfish aim by Roosevelt, it seems.

Theodore Roosevelt could have ran for a third term. He would have won as well, since his popularity was unmatched. However, he followed the tradition of two terms and gladly handed his job over. Roosevelt took America on a trip through his eight years, and it was unlike any other the nation had been on before. Big business was challenged, conservation was applauded, and foreign policy was revolutionized. Roosevelt increased the power of the president and believed that he had a responsibility to the people. His desire to make society more fair and equitable greatly influenced his program. Roosevelt stepped down from office with America a much better place than it was before. He deserves an A regardless of the negative outcomes that rarely resulted. Gone for a safari in Africa, Theodore Roosevelt left an executive office, and nation, forever changed.

Bibliography: "American President: Theodore Roosevelt." //Miller Center of Public Affairs//. Web. 25 Nov. 2009. . "Party divisions of United States Congresses -." //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia//. Web. 25 Nov. 2009. . "Theodore Roosevelt." //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia//. Web. 25 Nov. 2009. .