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“Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Most Americans have heard this famous phrase, and most could identify the speaker as President Theodore Roosevelt. We all know these oft-quoted words, but do we really know what they mean? Looking deeper into the implications of this phrase reveals the ideology that Roosevelt stood by in both his policy and his conduct. By “speaking softly,” Roosevelt endeavored to treat others with respect, and by “carrying a big stick,” he aspired to back those respectful words up with effective actions. With this mentality, Roosevelt’s great character traits, including his bold courage and genuine respect for the environment, were able to cause real and lasting changes that still benefit this great nation today.
The nineteenth century was a tumultuous time in American history, a time in which the Civil War caused massive casualties that left the military greatly weakened. When the Spanish-American War came about at the end of the century, the United States found itself in need of a strong and dedicated force of volunteers to help rebuild what was lost. A motley crew of regular men, mostly cowboys, answered the call. Among them was none other than Theodore Roosevelt. When Teddy decided to join the volunteer cavalry, he made an admirable leap of courage. He left his position as Assistant Secretary of the United States Navy to volunteer for something that he believed in. He was an adamant supporter of Cuban independence and decided to leave his prestigious job in the federal government to fight for what he believed to be right. His courage and determination led him to take charge of the group, which became famously known as the Rough Riders. Roosevelt led his volunteer cavalry to many important victories that tremendously aided the United States in the war. Most notable was their charge up San Juan Hill, which was a contributing factor in Spain fleeing Cuba, ending the Spanish-American War. Through these difficult military feats, Roosevelt proved his tenacity and courage by putting action behind what he strongly believed in.
As a curious and intelligent individual, Theodore Roosevelt developed a reverence for the natural world at a young age. On his family vacations, he would collect and examine animal specimens and keep detailed journals of what he discovered. As he grew older and progressed into his political career, his collection of wildlife had grown to museum-like proportions. Naturally, when it became clear that the natural world would suffer if conservational action was not taken, Teddy was on the front lines of the fight, cofounding an influential environmental protection group known as the Boone and Crockett Club. Most notably, this group lobbied for the protection of Yellowstone National Park and convinced President Cleveland to sign a bill that would protect the park from misuse. Roosevelt’s passion for preservation followed him to the White House. As president, Teddy kept environmentalism at the top of his priorities. During his presidency, Roosevelt was a conservation hero, establishing the National Forest Service, multiple national parks, and preserving arable land and wildlife throughout the nation. Though environmentalism is an issue that many would push to the wayside, it was something that Roosevelt felt passionate about, so he put a great deal of effort into creating a natural environment that would be safe from exploitation and beneficial to mankind. Roosevelt’s determination to protect the environment created lasting changes that have helped keep America beautiful, yet another example of his willingness to make bold choices to help a cause that he was passionate about.
From volunteer cavalryman to President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt was a man who exemplified upstanding character traits in each achievement that he made to better this nation. In serving his country as leader of the Rough Riders and dedicating a large part of his life to fighting for the environment, Roosevelt displayed a great deal of courage and respect for the environment, but these acts reveal even more about his character. His unselfish commitment to his country shows that he was incredibly loyal to America and was willing to sacrifice everything to fight for what he believed was right. Looking deeper into Roosevelt’s undying respect for the environment reveals his reverence for the creator and all creations; likewise his diligence is exhibited in his tireless attempts to better the world around him. In speaking softly and carrying a big stick, Theodore Roosevelt was able to live his life epitomizing great character, making him a genuine American hero.