Theodore Roosevelt (TR) is documented as one of the best world leaders and most influential presidents of the united states of America. He was a renowned author, historian, and naturalist considered to have contributed immensely to the development of America. Teddy is most recognized for his ideologies of foreign policy. TR’s firm belief in the future of America impelled him to advocate for the acquisition of many territories outside the USA. He believed in the prospect of America being one of the most powerful nations on earth. For that reason, Teddy devoted his presidency to establishing protectorates in overseas regions such as the Philippines, Guatemala, and Guam. Roosevelt is also acknowledged as a great unifier of different American groups, races, and social-economic status notwithstanding. All his works before and during the presidency prove that Theodore Roosevelt deserves his place on the mantle of great American politicians. This paper highlights some of the most outstanding achievements of the 26th president of the USA. It also makes a compelling case as to why Theodore Roosevelt is one of the best heads of state America has ever had.
Roosevelt was born in 1858 in New York City, and unlike most children, he was sickly during the early years of his life. He had asthma and other sicknesses that compelled him to be home-schooled (Iodice, 2017). During his stay at home, Theodore developed his love for nature and animals. In his teens, Roosevelt joined boxing and weightlifting to strengthen himself. His father was his most excellent motivator, and Roosevelt learned how to combine strength and courage to excel in all his tasks. Theodore grew up to be a master of his reputation, excelling in more than one field. He was acknowledged as a physical culturalist, a biographer, a paleontologist, an essayist, a patron of the arts, and a big-time ranchman (Iodice, 2017). He overcame social, professional, and personal obstacles to prove to himself and society his worth and ability to contribute positively to the world. Roosevelt was an excelling scholar at Harvard and a heroic soldier who helped America win the war with Spain.
Theodore is an iconic representative of quintessential Americana. He was uniquely American with a character and warmth that charmed masses (Hull, 2018). His love of knowledge, esteem for diversity, and devotion to protecting the democratic rights of Americans makes him one of the greatest historians to have ever lived. During his life, Theodore exhibited unremitting exuberance, a factor that kept him a step ahead in the political field (Hull, 2018). He cultivated three iconic images of himself — the benign leader, masculine figure, and defender of social justice, which undoubtedly contributed to his political success. He communicated his ranchman status by taking pictures in his personalized buckskin costumes. Moreover, Roosevelt did not shy away from expressing his prowess as an author and orator (Iodice, 2017). He mastered six different languages, authored thirty-five books, and dependably wrote his exploits for the Century Magazine.
Roosevelt can be described as a nonconformist and an independent-minded leader with shrewd political instincts. He was never afraid to make decisions, even when displeasing other politicians. His high emotional intelligence led him to make informed decisions based on evidence and facts (Iodice, 2017). He was known to move against the current, depending on his instincts than conventional wisdom. He was undeniably courageous, defiant, principled, and patriotic in his decision making (Iodice, 2017). Though Roosevelt was not always correct, he was rarely wrong. Like any other man, Roosevelt was not without fault, and for that, he received harsh criticism in the political spectrum. Nevertheless, he proved he could not cave under external pressure and remained firm in his political beliefs and ideologies.
A leader empathetic to the plight of poor citizens is to be admired. Theodore Roosevelt was compassionate for the Americans who were economically lagging due to the rapid development of America into an industrial nation. In the early 1900s, the USA had become increasingly industrial and thus faced challenges commonly associated with urbanization (Milkis 2017). Attributes like overcrowding, economic disparities, monopoly by big businesses, and poor working conditions were on the rise (Milkis, 2017). Roosevelt took it upon himself to help the people address these problems. He proposed the government regulation policy that would regulate businesses to ensure equal distribution of social and economic resources. His goal was to stave off socialism and economic inequality to promote public welfare even for the populations with a lower socioeconomic status.
Roosevelt is known to have proposed several legislations in favor of the poor and small business owners, including the Elkins Act of 1903 (Milkis, 2017). Most notably, he is recognized as the first president to have ever pleaded directly to Americans using the press to make his case for a legislation act (Hepburn) (Milkis, 2017). The legislation advocated for the regulation of shipping rates on railways to eliminate inequalities in charges. TR finally passed the Hepburn act despite facing strong opposition from the conservative senate of his day. Based on his accomplishments in fostering social justice, it is fair to state that TR’s devotion to protecting public welfare and defending the poor is unparalleled.
TR is widely recognized for his role in advancing foreign policy. His influence began before the presidency, right when he was an assistant secretary of the Navy. While in the Navy, he lobbied for a stronger navy insisting that the US expand its power abroad (Mackey, 2019). His philosophy was mainly premised on fear that the Spanish would control Cuba. TR advocated for war against Spain and even wrote an elaborate war plan to the then-president William McKinley. When the US declared war on Spain, TR organized the First Volunteer Cavalry (Rough Riders), which under his command won the war. TR further implemented his imperialistic foreign policy ideas when he ascended to the presidency in 1901 (Mackey, 2019). He began by supporting the liberation of Panama from Colombian control and, in exchange, acquired control of building the Panama Canal (Mackey, 2019). After completing the canal, TR sent the Great White Fleet on tour to symbolize American power.
TR can be described as a conservationist as well as a liberal. His conservative nature is most evident when he placed approximately 230 million acres of land under federal custody to protect natural resources (Iodice, 2017). This land was then dedicated to natural forests, game parks, and bird reserves. Notably, some consider TR to have contributed to the development of modern liberalism due to his achievements in consumer protection and improvement of social welfare. These accomplishments present him as a liberal that advocates for democracy and civil liberties. TR is also appreciated for creating a nuanced and practical version of capitalism. Using his influence in the progressive wing, he petitioned for the government to intervene in the economy to ensure that the system was fair for all.
TR’s relationship with the American West formed a solid basis for his ideologies. He took a break from his budding political career after the death of his first wife (Izatt, 2004). His experience in American West was illuminating, if not transformative. By the end of his stay (two years), TR was more determined than ever to devote himself to preserving national treasure. These experiences cemented his belief in conserving natural resources and subsequently contributed to his conservative nature.
Franklin D Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt are some of the most iconic leaders in American history. Their presidential terms were during different times, so there are striking differences between them. The signature events in office differ as TR is recognized for being the first American to win the Nobel prize, completing the Panama Canal project, regulating food safety, conservation policies, and securing the “Square Deal” for all Americans (Iodice, 2017). On the other hand, FDR is accredited for his role in handling the biggest crises in America (World War II and the Great Depression). Monuments of the two former presidents are also in different locations, with TR’s at Mount Rushmore and FDR’s at Washington DC (Iodice, 2017). Unfortunately, both presidents were also involved in scandals during their term in office. TR wrongfully discharged 167 soldiers of the Black Cavalry (Brownsville Affair) while FDR unfairly relocated over 120,000 Japanese-Americans living in America’s West Coast (Iodice, 2017).
In conclusion, Theodore’s life is rich with achievements that present him as one of the most iconic leaders in American history. His devotion and plight for the poor and middle class are unparalleled. History demonstrates him as an extraordinary and courageous leader, and his legacy remains a reference to politicians to this date. TR will be remembered for his role in the creation of social justice and modern liberalism.
References
Hull, K. (2018). Hero, champion of social justice, benign friend: Theodore Roosevelt in American memory. European Journal of American Studies, 13(2), 305–357. Web.
Iodice, E. (2017). The courage to lead: The leadership legacies of American presidents John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Theodore Roosevelt. Journal of Values-Based Leadership, 10(1), 1-14. Web.
Izatt, H. (2004). The precedent of a president: Theodore Roosevelt and environmental conservation. Sigma: Journal of Political and International Studies, 22(1), 265-285. Web.
Mackey, J. (2019). TR’s foreign policy | American Experience | PBS. Pbs.org. Web.
Milkis, S. (2017). Theodore Roosevelt: Domestic affairs | Miller Center. Miller Center. Web.