Why Is Teddy Roosevelt A Visionary?

1129 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Visionary and transformational leadership

The United States has an extensive list of presidents that will be remembered in the history books as “great” presidents. However, what are the qualifications that give those presidents that title? It’s inarguable that these great presidents were visionaries, used strong military presence during their presidency, successfully resolved conflict, and were environmentally conscious. It is remarkable that all of the “great” presidents in United States history are known for being visionaries. It’s imperative for presidents to have strategies for the future and that they have policies planned on how to protect national security and improve the lives of their citizens. It’s also important to see issues that the country is facing a find a way to resolve …show more content…

The most prominent thing that he did was a visionary was the completion of the Panama Canal. Roosevelt saw a need for a shortcut from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean In the midst of pain and turmoil of the construction of the panama canal, Roosevelt bought the French rights to the construction and oversaw the construction to its completion. This canal promoted the economy for the whole world, and its creation decreased trade time and increased profits for the canal’s investors. Arguably, no other construction has made more of an impact on the American people. Along with being a strong visionary, Roosevelt had no fear of having a strong military presence. TR was adamant about putting the United States military on the world stage, and he did this by bulking up the US Navy by creating the Great White Fleet. These ships circumnavigated the world from December 16, 1907 to February 22, 1909. These 14,000 sailors and 16 ships traveled all across the globe. While advertising the greatness and good will of the United States they were also able to help do recovery work in the aftermath of a an earthquake that had struck Sicily. The success of this mission solidified Roosevelt’s legacy of being a strong military leader. He also was known for his military ideology which was his “Speak softly and carry a big stick” policy. He described this as “the exercise of intelligent forethought and of decisive action sufficiently far in advance of any …show more content…

TR was quoted as saying, “We have fallen heirs to the most glorious heritage a people ever received, and each one must do his part if we wish to show that the nation is worthy of its good fortune”. Roosevelt is considered to be the first “environmentalist” president. Passionate about conservation and preservation, he signed the National Monument Act, which protected the Grand Canyon and many other national parks and forests. His patriotism was not only for the people of this country but the beauty of the land that surrounded them. This led him as president to use executive power like none of his predecessors had, to protect nearly 230 million acres of land, including 150 national forests, the first 55 federal wildlife refuges, 5 national parks, and the first 18 national monument

Show More
Related

  • The Career, Persona, and Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt

    696 Words  | 2 Pages

    Theodore Roosevelt was one of the most influential people in the early 20th century. His leadership style, his reforms, and his personality shaped an America that was rapidly becoming a world power. Theodore Roosevelt is admirably remembered for his energetic persona, his range of interests and achievements, his leadership of the Progressive Movement, his model of masculinity and his “cowboy” image (). He was a leader of the Republican Party and founder of the short-lived Progressive Party of 1912 (). Before becoming President, he held offices at the municipal, state, and federal level of government (). Roosevelt’s achievements as a naturalist, explorer, hunter, author, and soldier are as much a part of his fame as any office he held as a politician. His legacy lives on as one of greatest leaders in American history.

    Read More

  • Political Time: Determining Presidential Legacies

    1133 Words  | 3 Pages

    Skowornek writes, “these presidents each set out to retrieve from a far distant, even mythic, past fundamental values that they claim had been lost in the indulgences of the received order, In this way, the order-shattering and order-affirming impulses of the presidency in politics became mutually reinforcing.” (Skowornek, 37, book). These presidents are in the best position not because they are exceptional at their job but because the time they came into office offered them the elasticity and authority to make new orders and be welcomed by the public because he is taking the country out of its troubles and challenges.

    Read More

  • Does Teddy Roosevelt Deserve to be on Mount Rushmore

    753 Words  | 2 Pages

    This nation’s 26th president, he is well known for many things. Some question whether or not what he accomplished during his presidency term is even worthy of having a face carved into Mount Rushmore. He was a renowned historian, author and naturalist/explorer. Once voted into office, not only was he popular with the people, but he was ready to start all of his new ideas. One of his biggest ones was his idea on foreign policies. Roosevelt firmly believed that the US was going to be a very powerful nation of the world. By doing so, the US needed to gain as much territories as possible. We were able to establish protectorates over spaces such as Guam, the Philippines, Guatemala and Puerto Rico. His edition to the Monroe Doctrine, named the Roosevelt Corollary, was to help with South American affairs. The Latin American country Venezuela, was suffering money issues with Germany and Britain. So to settle the dispute, the Roosevelt Corollary was set up to state that any place in the Western Hemisphere were having financial disputes, the US would be there to support them. They would act as a police man to watch over that area. Though it was maybe in his best intentions, Latin America as a whole grew to not like those terms as much. As well as the creation of the Great Whi...

    Read More

  • Theodore Roosevelt: Children's Aid Society

    931 Words  | 2 Pages

    Roosevelt presidency is distinguished by his deduction by making America one of the best country in the world.  He demonstrates his desire of improving the status of America by making distinguished decision.   The Panama Canal is an example.  Known as one of the greatest engineering feats in all of history, the Panama Canal is an essential asset for international trade and travel today that President Roosevelt helped expedite the completion by providing tacit approval of the Panama revolution with funds and a naval blockade preventing Colombian troops from landing in Panama (McCullough 364).  Although the U.S needed to get permission to build the canal from the country of Colombia, because Panama was part of that country, Roosevelt did not give up on the project since this idea was what many people wanted as an easier way to travel to and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.  Building the Panama Canal was an incredibly difficult challenge (David).   However, there were other country at that time with the money and engineering talent to succeed on such a vast project but didn't have .  As an example the French and many previous United State presidents had tried years before to attain this goal, but had ended by giving up since the work included gigantic engineering projects, such as the series of locks that raised the ships from sea level to the level of the canal, and then lowered them back to sea level at the other end (David).  This canal portrayed a much greater use than travel and trade, it helped bring two worlds together.  This amazing project also converted the Panama Canal Zone into a major area for American military forces, making the United States the dominant military power in Central America ( Miller Center). This action take by Roosevelt influence others, since he was the only president

    Read More

  • Franklin D. Roosevelt and his Presidency

    1935 Words  | 4 Pages

    Still, Roosevelt's historical reputation is deservedly high. In attacking the Great Depression he did much to develop a partial welfare state in the United States and to make the federal government an agent of social and economic reform. His administration indirectly encouraged the rise of organized labor and greatly invigorated the Democratic party. His foreign policies, while occasionally devious, were shrewd enough to sustain domestic unity and the allied coalition in World War II. Roosevelt was a president of stature.

    Read More

  • Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt

    829 Words  | 2 Pages

    During his presidency Roosevelt had a tendency to carry the big stick then to speak softly. He got quite involved with the situation in Central and South America and also there was the controversy of the acquisition of the Philippines in the Pacific Islands. Roosevelt was also able to show the soft-spoken, sophisticated side of his diplomacy in dealing with major powers outside the Western Hemisphere. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for his negotiations with Russia and Japan, hardly the actions of a war monger. Roosevelt was just an energetic person and he wanted to civilize what he thought of as uncivilized countries.

    Read More

  • Theodore Roosevelt vs Woodrow Wilson

    876 Words  | 2 Pages

    In foreign affairs, the "white man's burden" helped to justify Roosevelt's "New Imperialism" in foreign policy. Uncivilized nations would gain eventual independence once they had conformed to the American model of government and democracy. Roosevelt's corollary to the Monroe Doctrine set up the U.S. as policeman in the western hemisphere. Under TR, the U.S. empire extended to include the Philippines, Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. He also oversaw the building of the Panama Canal, a tremendous feat that enhanced U.S. commerce immeasurably.

    Read More

  • Theodore Roosevelt's Big Stick Policy

    1666 Words  | 4 Pages

    Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was the 26th President of The United States Of America. He was a writer, a naturalist and a soldier. He stretched the forces of the administration and of the national government in backing of the general population enthusiasm toward clashes between huge business and work and guided the country to a dynamic part in world governmental issues. Theodore Roosevelt certainly helped the country in the right direction. He paved the way for reform, especially trust regulation. His nickname as the trustbuster was truly earned as he made many constant efforts in those areas, as well as others. His Square Deal plan targeted trust regulation, labor relations, and public health and conservation, the three

    Read More

  • Why Did Theodore Roosevelt Never Become President

    534 Words  | 2 Pages

    Roosevelt sought to change this, and help save the American ecosystem, and its inhabitants. If it wasn’t for the works of Roosevelt, then many of the national parks, bodies of water, and reserves that we have today, may have suffered from the many different businesses that would exploit them. Many millions of acres of forests would have been cut down for the growth of industrial economy. The lakes, streams, and other sources of water would have been polluted because of waste and sewage would be dumped there. Imagine if Yosemite National Park was another woodless landscape with lakes that are used as waste dumps. The environment would have been so much different if Roosevelt had not stepped

    Read More

  • Theodore Roosevelt's Shaping of America

    1075 Words  | 3 Pages

    Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy as a great president, lives on today through his policies. The Panama Canal now saves ships thousands of miles, and National Parks inspire people to conserve the resources of this earth. His social justice policies keep businesses honest and force them to be fair. But like all humans he had flaws. One of his major weaknesses was he thought anyone who did not agree with him was un-American, and during World War One was suspicious of German Americans. While on state Legislature, he tried to fire a judge based on corruption because he reached a verdict Roosevelt did not agree with. But Roosevelt’s great intelligence, strength, and curiosity outweighed his flaws, and it is not surprise he is considered as one of America’s greatest presidents.

    Read More

  • Why the United States Entered World War Two

    1648 Words  | 4 Pages

    Therefore, Roosevelt schemed a plan to enter the United States into World War II that would change the minds of the American people, including the direct aiding of Great Britain, the German bombing of a United States warship, and the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. President Franklin Roosevelt was one of the greatest presidents in the history of the United States. He created economic stability when the United States was suffering through the Great Depression. In his first three months of office, known as the Hundred Days, Roosevelt took immediate action to help the struggling nation.1 " In a period of massive unemployment, a collapsed stock market, thousands of banks closing for lack of liquidity, and agricultural prices fallen below the cost of production," Roosevelt passed a series of relief measures.2 These relief measures, known as the New Deal, provided help for individuals and businesses to prevent bankruptcy.

    Read More

  • Theodore Roosevelt and the Progressive Era

    1023 Words  | 3 Pages

    Social problems of the 1900s included conservation of wildlife and forest, the creation national monuments, immigration, and child labor. President Roosevelt firmly believed that America’s forest should be preserved and cared for (Kelley 66). President Roosevelt once said, "We have fallen heirs to the most glorious heritage a people ever received, and each one must do his part if we wish to show that the nation is worthy of its good fortune." ("Theodore Roosevelt and Conservation") Meaning we should care for nature and wildlife, because it is a gift to us. He still hunted and was often put down for it (Kelley 68). One time he refused to shoot an elderly bear and later a stuffed bear toy was developed and named after him as the “Teddy Bear.” (Kelley 68). The National Conservation Commission was formed as a result of a conservation conference in May 1908(Kelley 69). President Roosevelt is also responsible for creating 18 national monuments, one being the Grand Canyon, which was declared a national monument on January 11, 1908 ("Miller Center"). America also saw a record number of immigrants from 1900-1910. Around 8,796,000 people immigrated to America in search of “the American Dream.” (Woog 32). ...

    Read More

  • Comparing The Progressive Era And The New Deal Era

    1652 Words  | 4 Pages

    He did this by increasing the power of the presidency, “by taking the position that the president could exercise any right not specifically denied him by the Constitution.” Theodore Roosevelt saw the president’s role to defend the citizens by regulating businesses and breaking up trusts that had gained too much power, defend the very resources of the country by establishing 50 wildlife sanctuaries, 5 national parks, 18 national monuments, and placing more than 230 acres of American soil under federal protection, and lastly increased the role of president in foreign policy by heavily engaging in foreign affairs. Before Theodore Roosevelt Congress was the most powerful branch of the government but with the help of Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency it helped establish an influential and reliable executive branch.

    Read More

  • The Modern Presidency:an Evolution

    3133 Words  | 7 Pages

    The presidency of the United Sates of America has been an evolving office since the term of our first president, George Washington. This evolution has occurred because of the changing times and the evolution of society itself, but also because of the actions of the men who have become president. Starting in the 20th century, most have referred to the presidency as the modern presidency due to changes in both a president's power and the way that the office itself is viewed. As the office of the president has evolved so has who can become president evolved. Yet, even today there are certain individuals who because of their gender or race have yet to hold the office of the presidency. The men that have been president in our modern era have all had faults and greatness, some having more of one than of the other. The modern presidency is an office that many aspire to, but that few hold. The evolution of the office of the presidency has been one from that of a traditional role to that of a modern role that is forever evolving.

    Read More

  • Adjectives That Describe Theodore Roosevelt

    1040 Words  | 3 Pages

    From the perspective of congress, Roosevelt’s political priorities could not have been more wrong. Roosevelt’s didn’t let that hold him back with his determination he wanted to promote the rights of workers, he wanted the federal government to take the lead in dealing with public health and poverty. Roosevelt idolized Abraham Lincoln he would quote from Lincoln often reminding Americans of what Lincoln had told Congress in 1861. From the start of his presidency Roosevelt understood that he and the Congress where not going to see eye-to-eye. Knowing that the legislature was hostile to his policies, Roosevelt decided to use the president’s executive authority to realize his vision. Theodore most dramatic use of executive authority concerned conservation. Roosevelt is often considered the “conservationist president” conservation increasingly become one of Roosevelt’s main concerns. He used his authority to protect wildlife and public lands by creating the United States Forest Service and establishing 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game preserves, 5 national parks, and 18 national monuments by enabling the 1906 American Antiquities Act. Today the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt is found across the

    Read More

More about Why Is Teddy Roosevelt A Visionary?

Open Document