On November 1899, McKinley’s first Vice-President Garret Hobart died of heart failure. Teddy expected a second term as governor or, a cabinet position in the War Department, but his friends saw this as a dead end. They supported him for Vice President, and no one else of fame wanted that job. Also, people in the GOP wanted Theodore as Vice President. Roosevelt’s reforming zeal ran afoul of the insurance and franchise businesses, which had a major voice in the New York GOP. Platt designed Roosevelt’s removal from the state by urging him to accept the GOP nomination. McKinley refused to consider Roosevelt as Secretary of War, but thought there wasn’t any problems in making him Vice President. Teddy accepted the nomination, but Mark Hanna, his campaign manager, thought Roosevelt was too cowboy-like. Roosevelt proved very energetic, and an equal match for William Jennings Bryan’s famous barnstorming style of campaigning. Teddy’s theme was that McKinley had brought the US peace and prosperity, and deserved reelection. The Republicans won by a landslide, as they made a whirlwind campaign by stopping 480 times in 23 states.
Vice President was a powerless sinecure, or fairly easy job, and didn’t fit Theodore’s aggressive character. Campaigning did add to his skills, however. Roosevelt threw himself into the campaign with his energy, traveling across the nation criticizing the radicalism of William Jennings Bryan, opposed to the heroism of the soldiers and sailors who fought and won the war against Spain. Bryan supported the war itself, but he condemned the annexation of the Philippines as imperialism, which would spoil America’s innocence. Teddy countered it by saying that it was best for the Filipinos to have stability, and the Americans to have a proud place in the world. Teddy’s six months as Vice President was very uninteresting with the exception of an event. On September 2, 1901, Roosevelt first publicized an aphorism that thrilled his supporters at the Minnesota State Fair: “Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far.”
"Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far."
With the assassination of President McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt became the youngest President in American history. He brought new excitement and power to the Presidency, as he strenuously led Congress and the American public toward progressive reforms and a strong foreign policy.
Roosevelt was probably one of the most prepared to become president, as he entered the White House with knowledge of governmental and legislative processes and with executive leadership experience. Teddy led the country on the world stage, becoming a world power by actively getting involved in foreign affairs. He believed the federal government had a role and duty to ensure a level of equality in Americans’ daily lives and used government regulation and policies to bring about economic and social justice.
Come on down to find the best American upscale retail store!
Differentiating from previous presidents, Theodore believed the president had the power to act except in areas that was specifically prohibited by law or granted in the Constitution to Congress or the Courts. He first put this approach to good use when he negotiated a settlement to the coal strike in 1902, which was the first time the federal government intervened in a labor dispute and recognized the rights of organized labor.
Another one of Roosevelt’s first notable acts as president was to deliver a 20,000-word address to Congress asking it to curb the power of large corporations, which were called trusts. He also talked in support of organized labor to further chagrin big business, but to their delight, he endorsed the gold standard, protective tariffs, and lower taxes. Due to his aggressive use of United States antitrust law, he was known as the “trust-buster.” He had brought 40 antitrust suits, and broke up major companies, like the Northern Securities Company (the largest railroad) and Standard Oil, the largest oil company.
Theodore Roosevelt discussed with Congress for the passing of the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906. This put in place many safeguards Americans take for granted these days, including drug labeling, food safety, and quality controls in manufacturing. Also, he fought against unfair trade practices, establishing precedents for the president’s intervention in business, trade, and consumer affairs.
Teddy acted very decisively and boldly in international affairs. He negotiated an end to the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 and became the first American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. After realizing that the Navy needed to be able to move ships quickly between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, he acted to recognize the fledging country of Panama, negotiate control of the Canal Zone and push to see the Panama Canal built. The Panama Canal was considered one of the grandest engineering projects of the 20th century. Roosevelt persuaded Congress to provide funding for modern steel-hulled battleships and sent the Great White Fleet, which was 16 ships from the Atlantic fleet, in an around the world cruise, which raised America’s visibility and respect among the world powers.
Roosevelt left his greatest impression on the conservation of America’s natural resources. He knew that the country’s plentiful resources were being used faster than it could be replenished, and some great natural wonders like the Grand Canyon were in danger of commercial development. This allowed him to use the executive power that he held like none of his predecessors had. Teddy protected almost 230 million acres of land, including 150 national forests, the first 55 federal wildlife refuges, 5 national parks, and the first 18 national monument sites.