Compare Theodore Roosevelt`s big-stick foreign policy to William Howard Taft`s dollar diplomacy. Whose leadership was more suprising? Why?

Theodore Roosevelt is one of the most fascinating men to ever sit in the Oval Office . Such was his uniqueness which still resonates with people to this day . Whether he was giving a speech for two hours despite being shot in the chest and the bullet still lodged in his body , or threatening to bash together , the heads of the coal industry and the workers ' union in to avoid a cessation of coal in the winter of 1902 , President Roosevelt embodied the American spirit of individualism One of the ways in which he

accomplished this , and as a result , still incites discussion about his actions , motivations and the lasting results , are in regard to his foreign policy . President Roosevelt was famous for reciting an old proverb : Walk softly and carry a big stick ' This is to mean that an individual , and in the mind of President Roosevelt , the United States as well , is to make their actions speak louder than their words and to do that through the creating of a strong Armed Forces which , when incited , will act forcefully but will not go looking for a fight . There are many who will argue that in some regard , President Roosevelt did not follow his own advice at all times and to an alarming degree , influenced not only his presidency , but also the presidency of his predecessor William Howard Taft in a detrimental way

In the late 19th century and early 20th century , the idea of paternalism was popular among many of the European countries . This was the belief that the richer and more powerful countries had the duty to interfere in the business and welfare of smaller and poorer countries when the peace has been disrupted by irresponsible governments . Exactly when this was to occur was subjective and followed with the problem of paternalism Involvement on the side of the European powers was rarely requested by the smaller country . Numerous examples can be seen in the Race for Africa ' in which Britain , France , Germany and Belgium took what they wanted from Africa through the colonization of much of the continent Theodore Roosevelt , many believed , wanted the United States to take part in similar actions . During Roosevelt 's time as President , the United States Armed Forces would enjoy an exponential rise in power and prestige , especially the Navy who before Roosevelt 's presidency , was nearly non existent but which would later be referred to as The Great White Fleet as Roosevelt insisted that the United States stay in line with Great Britain , Japan and France as they sought to greatly increase the number of battle ships within their arsenal at that time

Such ideologies were put into play with the 1898 war with Spain but to a greater degree , with the construction of the Panama Canal . The construction of the Panama Canal is still one of the top three examples of construction projects which were produced by Americans . The other two would have to be the construction of the Erie...