Theodore Roosevelt's Influence On Society

The youngest man to ever take the oath of office did the most to advance America. President Theodore Roosevelt was 42 years old at the time of his induction. Youth played to his advantage and the way he portrayed himself to America blended well with the times. America was a young nation and a young, virile leader signified who we were as a people. Roosevelt, a war hero of San Juan Hill fame in the Spanish-American War, was self-assured, bold and determined. As the turn of the century gave way to 1901, Teddy Roosevelt, who was vice president, became president and a new age full of possibilities began in America. Roosevelt was ready to advance the United States with his bold new ideas. Full of youth and enthusiasm he was considered …show more content…
America’s influence, position and prominence had risen and were recognized. The Roosevelt Corollary was an expansion of the Monroe Doctrine in response to the Venezuelan Crisis. He saw the need for implementing a strong foreign policy and advised Europe to stay out of the Western Hemisphere. It was not a request and they knew it. His Big Stick Diplomacy was based off of a West African proverb, “Speak softly and carry a big stick”. He elevated our navy to the third largest in the world. He created the Great White Fleet and sent it to circumnavigate the globe. Using symbolism, he painted the ships white to send a message of peace through strength and it kept America and the Western Hemisphere …show more content…
Grant took the presidency in 1868. He was not from a wealthy family, but he seized an opportunity and obtained his education from the Military Academy. He, like Roosevelt, was a war hero and a Republican who was popular with the people. He had served as leading general and commander for the Union troops during the Civil War. However, during his two terms as president he did little to promote the United States. He was detached and allowed others carte blanche in performing their government jobs. He was not good with finances and had several unsuccessful businesses. He was an honest man who sought loyalty from his subordinates. He surrounded himself with devoted, yet dishonest people. Grant practiced nepotism and filled government positions without regards to their qualifications. Many of his appointees were self-serving and dishonest. Grant often made decisions based on his own opinion and without consultation from his advisors. He had military expertise, but no political experience, which hurt his