Theodore Roosevelt's Contributions to American Political Thought

Theodore Roosevelt's Contributions to American Political Thought

Throughout his tenure as a civil servant, Theodore Roosevelt perpetually involved himself in matters of reform. Well read and well traveled, Roosevelt expressed his wide array of political thought out of experience as well as an underlying desire to see the United States establish itself as a world power under the ideals of a democratic republic--a wolf amongst sheep on the world scene. The nation's twenty-sixth president laid the framework for foreign policy as we know it. He pressed reform amongst big business, and rallied for the rights of the laborer. Conservationism as well as environmental protection and preservation became issues at the forefront of Teddy's agenda. Another vital contribution to American political thought was Roosevelt's idea of the "New Nationalism," an analysis of American society and the roles which government and individuals ought to play. Theodore Roosevelt's progressive attitude, adherence to a strong moral basis, and genuine concern for his fellow countrymen all define him as a quintessential American political thinker.

Teddy Roosevelt always believed that in order to be appointed to a public office, that appointment should be based on merit rather than patronage. In 1889, President Benjamin Harrison appointed Roosevelt to the four-man Civil Service Commission. This was to be the beginning of the execution of Roosevelt's ideas of reform. He wanted to ensure that all government appointments were made on the merit system. "Against nothing is fearless and specific criticism more urgently needed than against the 'spoils system,' which is the degradation of American politics" (TR "Duties"). Roosevelt, himself a man of lofty credentials, merely desired to see the government operate based on a man's democratic thoughts and virtue, not based on the spoils system.

The true level of Roosevelt's reform-mindedness was unbeknownst to most Americans until he became the twenty-sixth President on September 14, 1901, following the assassination of President William McKinley. Teddy ventured into territory that most presidents had done their best to stay away from: big business. He introduced the idea into American political thought that, to an extent, government regulation of industry and commerce is necessary. While Roosevelt supported the fact that business conglomerates increased productivity and raised the standard of living, he was against the dissipation of free enterprise and competition. After gaining Congress' support of the fact that stronger supervision and control of big business was essential, Theodore Roosevelt became known as the "trust buster." Roosevelt also supported the rights of the laborer within business. "Big business gives the people a square deal; in return we must insist that when anyone engaged in big business endeavors to do right he shall himself be given a square deal" (TR www.nps.gov). Teddy's thoughts led to the 1903 Congressional establishment of the Department of Commerce and Labor, which would oversee the regulation of business as well as arbitration in labor-management disputes.

Another central philosophy which Theodore Roosevelt expounded upon was the idea of an aggressive foreign policy and the agenda of befriending any willing nation. "Toward all other nations, large and small, our attitude must be one of cordial and sincere friendship. We must show not only in our words, but in our deeds, that we are earnestly desirous of securing their goodwill by acting toward them in a spirit of just and generous recognition of all their rights" (TR "Inaugural"). The President's thoughts on America's foreign policy led to the creation of the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine in 1904. In his presidential edict, Roosevelt states that America simply "...desires to see the neighboring countries stable, orderly, and prosperous." Roosevelt knew that political stability within the Western Hemisphere at the very least was essential for the diplomatic advancement of the United States. Also, Roosevelt knew that in order to ensure persistent stability within the region, the United States--being a free society and rapidly becoming a world power--might need to intervene in the social and political affairs of neighboring nations from time to time.

If a nation shows that it knows how to act with reasonable efficiency and decency in social and political matters, if it keeps order and pays its obligations, it need fear no interference from the United States. Chronic wrongdoing, or an impotence which results in a general loosening of the ties of civilized society, may...ultimately require intervention by some civilized nation, and in the Western Hemisphere...may lead the United States...to the exercise of an international police power. (TR "Corollary")

Through his statements, Roosevelt sent a message to the nations of the world that America would not stand to see a society brought to its knees by an oppressive government or foreign adversary, especially within its own hemisphere. However, Teddy also wanted to reassure the nations of the world that the United States was not looking to pick a fight. "While they (neighboring nations) thus obey the primary laws of civilized society they may rest assured that they will be treated by us in a spirit of cordial and helpful sympathy" (TR "Corollary"). Roosevelt reiterated his peace offering on March 4, 1905 in his inaugural address after winning reelection. "No weak nation that acts manfully and justly should ever have cause to fear us, and no strong power should ever be able to single us out as a subject for insolent aggression" (TR "Inaugural").

Theodore Roosevelt placed great emphasis on the conservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment. These were subjects which were for the most part absent from the realm of politics. Roosevelt brought them to the forefront of American politics; ever since, candidates for political office have found it necessary (and sometimes greatly advantageous) to take a stance on environmental issues. He proclaimed, "I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use the natural resources of our land; but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob, by wasteful use, the generations that come after us," (TR "New Nationalism"). During his presidency, Roosevelt's progressive yet conservative stance on environmental issues led to the addition of more than 125 million acres to America's national forests. Teddy believed that conservation was a great moral issue placing the lives and safety of future generations