Theodore Roosevelt’s Accomplishments By Katie Anderson and Mia Newton

Working Conditions Roosevelt developed the "Square Deal” due to coal miners striking because of working conditions. Wanting to solve the problem effectively, he created better working conditions and regulations. This program aimed to reform the workplace, regulate business, and protect consumers. Effect- The Square Deal made working environments much safer for people to work in. Many coal miners went on strike due to their harsh working conditions, making coal production go down. With their improved working conditions, coal was being produced regularly, therefore benefitting those who needed it to stay warm as well as benefitting the economy. The new regulations stayed in place, and have improved to be what they are today.

Question What role did the Square Deal have in the current working conditions in the US?

The Panama Canal Roosevelt believed that a canal in Panama would protect both sides of America as well as benefit the world. He worked out a deal to make Panama independent in exchange to build the canal. Effect- With the new canal, it made it easier to travel from each side of America, as well as a route for other destinations. Now that Panama was its own country, they gained independence.

Question What did Roosevelt believe the benefits of the canal would be?

Gaining Global Power Roosevelt felt threatened by the European powers that were moving into the region. He referred to the Monroe Doctrine, stating that the US was now in charge of the Western Hemisphere to exercise international policy power to intervene and keep smaller countries in the Americas on their feet. Effect- This gave the US more power, especially in a global sense. Not only was the US a powerful country, but it also had power over other countries. The US served as the mediator that looked over the smaller countries.

Question Why was the Monroe Doctrine so important to the U.S?

Speak Softly… “Speak softly and carry a big stick” was Roosevelt’s phrase that meant you should be prepared with your forces backing you up, but you don’t have to be violent or demanding. This was a form of threat that was firm but not exactly terrifying. Effect- This was to intimidate other countries through consequences. It helped keep other countries in check if they thought about messing with the US.

Question Why was the quote “speak softly with a big stick” created?

The Food Industry A book called “The Jungle” exposed the food industry’s faults, causing Roosevelt to propose the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act to protect the consumers and better regulate food production and labeling. Effect- Now that there were required regulations, it ensured that the food industry would be a lot more sanitary and safe for the consumers. With the correct labeling, companies could not deceive buyers by labeling items incorrectly to charge more for them.

Question What were the purposes of the two acts?

Preserving Nature Roosevelt created the Antiquities Act, the authorization to halt the destruction of the American landscape. By the end of his term, he preserved over 230 million acres of land, including national forests, federal bird reservations, national parks, and national monuments. He also passed the National Reclamation Act of 1902, which established irrigation projects in the west. He promoted the conservation movement and placed millions of acres of land under federal protection to preserve America's natural resources. Effect- This was put into place because Roosevelt and others wanted the nature to be preserved for the future generations. Not only did it benefit the people, but also the world and its resources.

Question What are possible effects that the Antiquities Act had on America? Does it still affect us today?