Wilson Vs. Roosevelt

Mikaela Stever

20th Century

Pd. 7

Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson are two extraordinary men that symbolize the hope and ambition of American people during such a tumultuous time in United States history. Both of these men held leadership qualities, had strong views for America, and held exceptional ideas on a foreign policy.

Theodore Roosevelt went into head of office on September 19, 1901 when President William McKinley was assassinated. He was the youngest man to become president. His motto was "speak softly but carry a big stick." He came into power with remarkable ideas including the square deal. He would take the power away from industrialists while he controlled big business in the White House. He would soon become known as a Trust-buster. Roosevelt used American power for American interests and was quoted, "I am an American first and last." Although some historians argue that Roosevelt acted like a six-year-old throughout his presidency and that he didn't think things through, we can admire his magnificent leadership qualities. He was a very audacious man who graduated magna cum laude from Harvard. The average citizen was aware of what a "positive, warm, tough, imposing and funny" president that they had leading them. His leadership qualities stemmed from his time as a New York state Assembly man, a deputy sheriff, a president of the Little Missouri Stockman's Association, United States Civil Service Commissioner, Police Commissioner of New York City, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Governor of New York, and Vice President of the United States. This then finally led him to be the President. His confident figure saved Americans from freezing when 250,000 of Carnegie's coal miners went on strike. Teddy Roosevelt had threatened that he would dispatch the government in to take it over. He also was an imperialist and a realist. He was and still is mostly characterized by his belligerence. He was a man of triumph and won authority through constant attack. Secondly, President Roosevelt was known for his personal morality. Everything he did was what he perceived as justice. He was a "strong, clean-living, and industrious" man. Third, Teddy Roosevelt had a strong sense of pride. He was the first American president who was not British and was very proud of his diversity. Lastly, Roosevelt was known for being militaristic. He regrets he never had a big war. He thought that war was proof of manhood. He built the US navy to 2nd largest in the world when it had previously been the 5th largest. TR loved his job and the American people loved him for being so good at it. During his term he would reform domestically and reform capitalists. He also opened up the famous Yellowstone National Park. Although TR would have easily been elected for a third term, he knew