Question

How does president theodore roosevelt's comment, "speak softly and carry a big stick" relate to the president's power as a diplomat and as commander in chief?

Answer 1

Roosevelt revolutionized the U.S. Presidency. Many credit him with establishing the modern presidency. Speaking softly and carrying a big stick meant that American power was to be respected in domestic and international contexts. As president, he was a negotiator and peace maker as demonstrated in his successful negotiation of the Russo-Japanese War (1905), for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize. He also played an important role in Progressive Era Reforms such as the Pure Food and Drug Act.