U.S.
History: People and Events 1865–Present Theodore Roosevelt Becomes President
Theodore Roosevelt Becomes President
At the age of 42, Theodore Roosevelt had accomplished more than most men would ever
dare to dream. He had overcome his childhood frailty with bodybuilding, had interests in every
subject from art to zoology, had been a New York state senator, Civil Service commissioner,
cowboy, police commissioner, assistant secretary of the Navy, and colonel of the Rough Riders.
The son of wealthy parents, he took an interest in the conditions of tenement dwellers working in
sweatshops. As Civil Service commissioner, he demanded that the tests given to federal employees
be practical for the job they were to fill. As police commissioner, he fired policemen for sleeping
on the job or drinking at saloons. As the Navy’s second man, he sent orders to Admiral Dewey to
attack Manila Bay if the United States and Spain went to war. He had thrilled the nation with his
charge up San Juan Hill in Cuba.
Roosevelt Becomes President
In 1899, Roosevelt became governor of New York, and in 1900, the Republican Convention
strongly backed Roosevelt for vice president. Even though he was not enthusiastic about the
job, Roosevelt gave in to public pressure. Since the Republican presidential candidate, William
McKinley, was in good health, it appeared that there was little chance for Roosevelt to ever inherit
the presidency, and for the first time in his life, he was bored.
Then on September 6, 1901, President McKinley was shot by Quick Fact
an anarchist and died eight days later. After Roosevelt took Teddy Roosevelt is one of
the oath of office, Mark Hanna, McKinley’s political advisor, four presidents sculpted on
remarked, the “. . . cowboy has become President of the United the face of Mount Rushmore
States.” In 1904, Roosevelt was reelected president. in South Dakota.
Roosevelt’s Domestic Policy
Roosevelt used the presidency as a “bully pulpit.” It gave him an opportunity to speak out on
issues important to him, and he often acted on matters even when he had no authority. Roosevelt
and his supporters were called Progressives. They were determined to bring needed reform to the
nation by regulating or setting rules for business, transportation, and banking. In 1902, coal miners
in Pennsylvania went out on strike, and Roosevelt intervened. He halted the strike and got workers
a 10 percent increase in pay. President Roosevelt said he was giving the workers a “square deal,”
and that phrase stuck.
Roosevelt’s Foreign Policy
Theodore Roosevelt was convinced the United States deserved to play a major role in
world affairs. He believed to get things done America should “speak softly and carry a big stick.”
This meant that the nation should try to achieve its aims quietly but be prepared to use force if
necessary. He used this strategy to get the Panama Canal built. Roosevelt wanted to build a canal
through the Isthmus of Panama, shortening the distance that ships had to travel to pass between
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. On November 3, 1903, a revolution broke out in Panama City, and
the American cruiser Nashville was ordered to block the landing of any troops within 50 miles of
Panama. On November 6, the U.S. recognized Panama’s independence. Panama then gave the
United States the right to build the canal.
Roosevelt believed one way a nation could project power was with a strong navy. In 1907,
he sent 16 new battleships of the Atlantic Fleet on a world tour. Painted white, the fleet was
nicknamed the “Great White Fleet.” With this demonstration of strength, Roosevelt paved the way
for future U.S involvement in world affairs.
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U.S. History: People and Events 1865–Present Theodore Roosevelt Becomes President
Name: Date:
Theodore Roosevelt Becomes President: Activity
Directions: Use information from the reading selection to explain the terms below.
Explanation
A position of authority or prominence that
provides an opportunity to speak out and
influence others on important issues.
bully pulpit Theodore Roosevelt used the presidency
as a "bully pulpit" to address issues such
as business regulation and workers' rights
Roosevelt's approach to ensuring fairness and
justice for both workers and businesses. For
instance, during the 1902 coal strike, he
square deal brokered a deal that resulted in a 10% pay
increase for miners, which he termed a "square
deal" for both sides
Roosevelt's foreign policy approach,
emphasizing diplomacy and negotiation (speak
softly) while maintaining a strong military force
speak softly and
carry a big stick (carry a big stick) to back up U.S. interests. This
strategy was used to facilitate the building of
the Panama Canal and assert U.S. influence
A fleet of 16 U.S. Navy battleships sent on a
global tour by Roosevelt in 1907. The ships,
painted while, demonstrated American naval
Great White Fleet power and projected U.S. strength on the world
stage, signaling the nation's growing influence
in international affairs
404265-EB ©Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers 28
