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Theodore Roosevelt: Philosophy President Theodore Roosevelt was a unique figure in American history. For the first time, under his presidency the United States exercised its power on a global scale. "Theodore Roosevelt was the first president to insist that it was America's duty to make its influence felt globally, and to relate America to the world in terms of a concept of national interest." (Kissinger 38). His political philosophy was epitomized in his famous epigram "speak softly, and carry a big stick." (Hunt XI) In a speech before the Hamilton Club in 1899 the President explained the mechanisms of the Unites States' big stick. "The army and the navy are the sword and the shield which this nation must carry if she is to do her duty among the nations of the earth." (43). Roosevelt recognized international relations in what he considered spheres of influence, a theme that would later be replaced by collective security. "In a world regulated by power Theodore Roosevelt believed that the natural order of things was reflected in the concept of "spheres of influence," which assigned preponderant influence over large regions to specific powers, for example, to the United States the Western Hemisphere or to Great Britain on the Indian subcontinent." (Kissinger 40-41). Though Roosevelt defined his foreign diplomacy through concepts of national interest and power, he did not completely separate ethics from his diplomacy. He would often include in his writings that, "... the measure of good citizenship and effective government [is] personal ethics. Responsibility, duty, goodwill, 'fellow-feeling,' respect-these formed the basis for good government, civic justice, and even foreign policy." (Hunt XIV). Often times the President would not wait for Congress's approval. Sending Admiral Dewey and his fleet around the world, and in taking the Canal Zone, Roosevelt proved his strength as a leader. "Later in 1911, Theodore Roosevelt was widely reported as boasting that 'I took the Canal Zone, and let Congress debate; and while the debate goes on the canal does also." (Paterson 222). Roosevelt believed in duty, not only to his family, but also to strengthen his country. Theodore Roosevelt's success in bringing America to the forefront of global relations is a credit to his presidency. He fulfilled America's duties to the world by bringing the United States out of isolation and into the struggle to "shape the destiny of mankind." |
Philosophy
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