"speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." it was his way saying if you seem hard and everyone will respect you but that doesn't mean go around and threatening to kill people or anything. It also meant that everyone would have fair trade with China. ( we learned it 2 ways)
Diplomatic policy developed by Roosevelt where the "big stick" symbolizes his power and readiness to use military force if necessary. ... A policy proposed by the US in 1899, under which ALL nations would have equal opportunities to trade in China.
