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Theodore (Teddy) Rosevelt October 27th 1858, New York - January 6th 1919, Oyster Bay Political Party: Republican Terms: September 14th 1901 - March 4th 1909 Vice President: William Howard Taft

Thematic Context Theodore (Teddy) Rosevelt, was the 26th President of the United States. Rosevelt's status of "Rough Rider" greatly separeates him from the presidents before him. Rosevelt served for two consecutive terms in which he influenced American culture. Rosevelt's "Big Stick Policy" regarding the anexation of the Philippines to the United States gave way to a newer imperialistic America. In which Rosevelt was able to expand trade routes, the Panama Canal in Columbia for example changed American culture as Americans were now able to trade on a much larger sclae. However Rosevelt more readily affected America as he passed The Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act. Sparked by the book "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair attacking meat packaging facilities, the new act called for honest statements on food content as well as federal inspection of plants involved in interstate commerce. Seeing as many Americans worked in, and how even more consumed the meat from these processing facilities, the culture of them changed. Culture then preceeded to change as a result of Rosevelt's involvement in the Steel corporation as it greatly affected the railways.

Thesis There is no denying that Theodore Rosevelt was a great man and an even greater president. The only drawback to his legacy being the thwarting "Big Stick Policy" which changed the ideals of the nation to Imperialism. Nonetheless for catering to the majority of the nation in his Meat Inspection Act, Rosevelt earns an A for his presidency.

Goals Like many before him Rosevelts goals centered on the idea that if the U.S. remained neutral and focused solely on remaining neutral that it would prosper while feuding nations continued to feud. Rosevelt however did tiptoe into foreign dispute as he mediated discussions with Russia and Japan, later known as the Square deal, which inevitably left a sour taste in Russia's mouth. One of Rosevelts most famous ambitions was his assault on trusts. Fondly caled the "trust buster", Rosevelt terminated an astonishing 40 monopolies. Ironically Rosevelt did not dislike trusts, he however was apalled by the illegal practices which so many were known for and perhaps the reasoning behing Rosevelts persistence and passion towards the Steel corporation. The steel corporation, providing steel for expanding railways was another one of Rosevelts aspirations as president. As seen in the annexation of the Phillipines, Rosevelt was intent on exapnding the U.S. which in turn meant railways covering more land and canals opening way to more trade and income. Conservation, a first for a president, was another of Roseveltt's past times. Intent on protecing the naitons parks Rosevelt went as far to camp out in them in lieu of attending a highly sought after dinner party.

Relationship with Congress Unlike most presidents Rosevelt had a functional and civil relationship with Congress. At one point Rosevelt himself delivered a speech dictating the issues of Trusts, which at the time was quite the upset to many power hungry large business owners. Compromise was not unheard of however Rosevelt, being a phenomenal speaker was able to sway his critics into agreement an almost all occasions. Consequently there was no distatste for Rosevelt in Congress during his presidency.

Positives Expansion during Rosevelts presidency was of great concern. The Panama Canal aided every concern as far as a furthered treade in economic standards. The canal however was a splinter to Rosevelt as he debated with Columbia over the price of the canal. For Columbia was not entertained by the U.S., refusing to accept the inadequate proposal for use of the canal. Rosevelt was unwavering in the proposal, led to the rebel of Columbia which in turn gained it's independace. The newfound country was eager to build the great canal and accepted the U.S. propasal. The canal proved to be a major passage to Europe and Asia and was a great asset to the United States.

Negatives Likely the only negative throughout Rosevelt's presidency was the Panic of 1907. A probable outcome of the fall of monopolies and trusts during Rosevelts anti-trust phase, railways were shur down as well as many companies and corporations. Angered Americans were only too eager to point fingers at Rosevelt for the sudden panic. A hot-headed Rosevelt later replied in blaming the falled companies for starting such monopolistic trusts in the first place. Bringing the blame full circle the federal reserve act was created in order to detain future chaos.

Rosevelts Influence The Meat Inspection Act was Rosevelts largest contribution directly affecing Americans, giving a lasting impression of Rosevelts interest in the common man. The act providing a safer work place and suitbale safe food can not be underestimated. The act not only affected Americans but also anywhere in which products were exported. Bearing a seal of protection claiming the product was safe, not spoiled, and made in a suitable work place gave peace of mind.

Conclusion In conclusion there is no question that Rosevelt was one of the greats. Accomplishing a spattering of political dispute including foreign affair, interest in the common man, and economic deficiency Rosevelt endured his presidency like a champ. Rosevelt was also to establish America as a great and respectable power, partly through imperialistic perspective, he managed to gain respect form other great powers. Earning himself an A for his presidency, Rosevelt will be forever remembered as the "Rough Rider" he was, as well as setting a standard for all presidential candidates to follow.

Works Cited "Miller Center." //American President: Theodore Roosevelt: Domestic Affairs//. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2012. <[]>. "Panama Canal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia//. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. <[]>. "Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia//. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. <[]>.