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Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919) Republican, Progressive Party In office: September 14, 1901 – March 4, 1909 Vice President: Charles W. Fairbanks (1905-1909) President Theodore Roosevelt deserves a B+ for his terms as president. His ardent efforts in conservationism and progressive reform, as well as the service he did to the esteem of the presidential office were instrumental in guiding our nation. His only shortcoming was the abuse of presidential power and the media. His zeal for the welfare of America was surpassed by none. The goals of Roosevelt during his presidency were to regulate big business, help the middle class, and to conserve national resources. He certainly made strides in corralling businesses, as he expanded the Interstate Commerce Commission, and broke up many monopolistic companies, although, in comparison with Taft, his bark was bigger than his bite. He aided the American people with enacting bills to protect them from tainted meats as well as mislabeled pharmaceuticals. His conservationist efforts were unprecedented, and helped create lasting refuges of nature that still exist today. Overall, Roosevelt’s relationship with Congress was strained. While Roosevelt was wildly popular in the public eye, many politicians disliked him. Roosevelt took a much more assertive view on his presidential powers, and viewed Congress as a fickle institution. He mostly took matters into his own hands, and used the press as leverage to influence with public. He did cooperate with Congress to pass bills such as the Aldrich Vreeland Act and the Meat Inspection Act. Roosevelt managed to get things accomplished, regardless of his shaky relationship with Congress. The most positive action of Roosevelt’s administration was the construction of the Panama Canal. Although it initially caused problems with Columbia, the completion of the canal was vital to trade and naval interests. It was also a huge accomplishment for America, to be able to be the ones to complete such a daunting project. Although it caused Europe to look down upon Roosevelt, the canal was necessary for Americans as well as Europeans. The Panama Canal is still a vital passageway even today. The worst action of Roosevelt’s presidency was his handling of the Anthracite Coal Strike in 1902. With a shortage of coal during the harsh winter months, I can see why Roosevelt threatened to use military force to take control of the mines. Luckily military force wasn’t needed, and the laborers were able to reach an agreement. This threat by the president could have set an unhealthy precedent. Using military force to take over a private business is despotic as well as anti-capitalist. It is fortunate that future policy was not shaped by this event. Roosevelt, also known as, “the Great Conservationist”, did much to earn this nickname. The reclamation Act of 1902 put funds from the sale of western lands towards irrigating the dry areas of the West. He set apart 125 million acres of land in national forests, and 2,500 water-power sites. Such parks as Yosemite continue to intrigue and inspire people today. Roosevelt did his best to preserve pieces of untouched frontier, and with it the memory of what brought settlers to our great nation. Roosevelt was a charismatic leader that effectively carried out his policies. He strived to work to better our nation, and did so. He tamed large businesses threatening the people, and helped the common man. He carried out his unique foreign policy, and did what he needed to build the Panama Canal. He improved the office of president, and did embodied what a strong leader should be. He easily deserves a B+. Degregorio, William A.. //The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents, Seventh Edition (Complete Book of Us Presidents) //. 7 ed. Fort Lee: Barricade Books, 2009. Print Oyos, Matthew M. "Roosevelt, Theodore." //Americans at War//. Ed. John P. Resch. Vol. 3: 1901-1945. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2005. 170-171. //Gale Virtual Reference Library//. Web. 30 Nov. 2010. Young, Gerald L. "Roosevelt, Theodore (1858 – 1919) American Politician and Conservationist." //Environmental Encyclopedia//. Ed. Marci Bortman, Peter Brimblecombe, and Mary Ann Cunningham. 3rd ed. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 2003. 1226-1228. //Gale Virtual Reference Library//. Web. 30 Nov. 2010.