Theodore Roosevelt: A Modern Influential Figure by Grant

Theodore Roosevelt: A Modern Influential Figure by Grant - October 2017 Scholarship Essay

Out of all the presidents that have passed through office over the course of American History, my choice of president for conversation would be Theodore Roosevelt. I would choose to have dinner with him after his second term of presidency. I find that Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy and domestic affairs helped shape the future of the American government. Several questions come to mind on his thought process through the new age of industrial revolution, and acquiring a strong economy, stability, and a strong form of government for the United States.
An important reason why I would choose to participate in conversation with Theodore Roosevelt instead of any other president is because of the time-period in which his presidency was taking place. The time-period of the industrial revolution was one of America's greatest economic changes in history. President Roosevelt was the first president ever to utilized media to his advantage during his elections. He set this precedent for future presidents and their election campaigns. President Roosevelt's usage of influential media can still be looked upon today and how it set the foundation for an empire of industry: political campaigning. Along with media as a tool for power, Roosevelt came into office with a determined mindset that he would make reform, and use everything in his constitutional power to get it. Roosevelt made one of the most important political moves in history, by giving the executive branch a more powerful stance over congress. His demonstrations of executive orders would really put government power into perspective for future presidents. His actions were influential towards presidents in even today's time.
What really fascinates me about Theodore Roosevelt, was his success in foreign affairs. With the problems that America faces today with foreign policy and affairs, it would be interesting to ask Roosevelt what his thoughts are on what America should be doing to not only stabilize peace among the world, but stabilize peace for our country. Roosevelt proved that through the peace talks with Russia and Japan over the Russo-Japanese war, he could end conflict without the use of weapons and destruction, something that seems to be forgotten in today's world. He was also a brilliant strategist for the benefit of the American economy, and the United States. Roosevelt really knew how to incorporate foreign policy as a solution to domestic affairs. Perfect examples of these are the Panama Canal and the negotiations with Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Roosevelt realized that with the construction of the Panama Canal, the shipping industry for the western hemisphere would become much easier and more profitable. He managed to get what he wanted by getting America to fund the Panama revolution. Another example, that demonstrates his expertise in strategy, was his involvement in the negotiations with the European countries that were controlling the countries of Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. The whole reason he got involved was for stability in the western hemisphere, which would in all benefit America's safety. These concepts and ideas he had for the correlation of foreign policy and domestic policy are what I feel America needs today. Roosevelt was comprised of creativity and strategy for the betterment and safety of America.
The last topic of discussion I would want to have with Theodore Roosevelt, would be his opinions on nationality. Nationality, has been a controversial topic due to people abstaining from standing for the national anthem. Since Theodore Roosevelt really embodied the actions and ideas of a true American, I feel his point of view on the subject would be very valid and important. Roosevelt valued the beauty of America and its land. He also fought for our country in the Spanish War. Along with other contributing factors towards him representing a true American hero, I feel his opinion on abstaining from the national anthem would be a helpful insight in resolving the problem.
Overall, Theodore Roosevelt is one of the most fascinating, exciting, and influential presidents that has ever taken office. Not only was he a prosperous politician, but he was a flourishing citizen of the United States. He was a very successful young man, as he graduated from Harvard. He was also a in love with the outdoors and the beauty of American parks. He hunted big game, and took hikes with important political leaders from around the globe. He enforced laws on protecting wildlife reserves, and helped create national parks. Roosevelt served our country with the Rough Riders, the last unit of cavalry that would serve the United States military. After his successful years in office he went on an African safari. He even survived a bullet to the chest. Roosevelt's life encompassed an example of a strong political leader, but also a thriving American citizen. His political views and strategies would help sculpt a future for American economy, American stability, and American government. To sit down and have a conversation with Theodore Roosevelt over dinner would be one of the greatest honors any American could have.