Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt, both influential spirits in American history had very different but slightly similar approaches in domestic and foreign policy. Woodrow Wilson’s foreign policy is mainly shown by his belief in neutrality and moral governing. Wilson kept a strong belief in neutrality, trying to keep the United States out of all European affairs. In the beginning of World War 1, when Germany invaded a French ship, Sussex, Wilson issued the Sussex Ultimatum. This said that if Germany did not cease submarine warfare, the US would break any and all diplomatic relations with Germany. This completely expresses America and Wilson’s reluctance to go to war. When the US finally entered World War 1, Wilson repeated that the objective
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Roosevelt held a firm belief in strengthening the US defense abroad, especially through the Navy. The foreign policy held by Roosevelt can also be expressed through his motto of “Speak softly and carry a big stick” meaning he supported using force when necessary. He wanted the United States to be a global power, claiming that American influence would have a domino effect on the rest of the world. This philosophy is very apparent through Roosevelt’s intervention in the Panama War. He helped Panama declare its independence from Colombia, and after Panama held an American-made declaration of independence, constitution and flag. Both Theodore and Woodrow advocated arbitration instead of war. Although Roosevelt was more militaristic, he still believed in maintaining peace whenever possible. Wilsons Moral Diplomacy policy reinforced his belief in maintaining peace. Wilson was not all morality, at times he showed similar imperialistic traits as Roosevelt. For example, he used a form of imperialism to buy the Virgin Islands from Denmark. Both presidents were avid supporters of American democracy and felt the need to spread this ideal around the
Roosevelt held a firm belief in strengthening the US defense abroad, especially through the Navy. The foreign policy held by Roosevelt can also be expressed through his motto of “Speak softly and carry a big stick” meaning he supported using force when necessary. He wanted the United States to be a global power, claiming that American influence would have a domino effect on the rest of the world. This philosophy is very apparent through Roosevelt’s intervention in the Panama War. He helped Panama declare its independence from Colombia, and after Panama held an American-made declaration of independence, constitution and flag. Both Theodore and Woodrow advocated arbitration instead of war. Although Roosevelt was more militaristic, he still believed in maintaining peace whenever possible. Wilsons Moral Diplomacy policy reinforced his belief in maintaining peace. Wilson was not all morality, at times he showed similar imperialistic traits as Roosevelt. For example, he used a form of imperialism to buy the Virgin Islands from Denmark. Both presidents were avid supporters of American democracy and felt the need to spread this ideal around the