My grandfather told me, once upon a time, that the presidency of Teddy Roosevelt (1901-1909) may have been America’s greatest or, at least, right at the top. Many of Roosevelt’s accomplishments are still being felt today… some 108 years later! Following is a brief summary, but first let’s take a concise close up of this larger-than-life icon.
Teddy Roosevelt actually became POTUS due to two deaths. The first of these occurred when VP Garret Hobart died of a heart attack. Secondly, in 1901, William McKinley was assassinated, which elevated the former New York governor to the presidency. Roosevelt was the very first American awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his initiative in ending the Russo-Japanese War.
Roosevelt’s accomplishments are as many as spectacular. His most significant international accolade was the construction of the Panama Canal (completed in 1914), which indirectly led to the establishment of the nation of Panama. From two trips there in recent years, I can personally attest to their close alliance with the U.S. Their actual currency is the U.S. dollar.
The 26th President of the United States is famous for his “Square Deal” featuring the three C’s of his domestic program highlighting consumer protection, control of corporations and conservation. Roosevelt established the U.S. Forest Service, creating 51 bird reserves and 150 national forests in the process.
Teddy Roosevelt was a prolific author (maybe even more famous in this regard than DJT), with his best work “The Naval War of 1812.”
During the Roosevelt presidency, the U.S. Navy grew in size from the fifth largest in the world to third. Other accomplishments included reeling in the railroad and destroying the Beef Trust. He was also instrumental in ending the 1902 Coal Strike with the United Mine Workers of America by threatening to involve the US military in formulating a solution. In 1906, he promoted the Pure Food & Drug Act, which we are still benefiting from today.
The greatest contrast between Roosevelt and Trump is clearly age. Roosevelt was the youngest president ever at 42, whereas Trump will become the oldest at age 70. Trump’s persona is similar in many ways to the fellow New Yorker. He is a “take charge” individual who carries a big stick. It will be interesting to see how many great accomplishments there will be forthcoming over the next 4 – 8 years. And, we will determine if yet another “Rough Rider” is sitting behind the desk of the Oval Office. For sure, it will not be dull!
(Special credit to Learnodo-newtonic.com for the historical references)
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
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