Post by djxkorean on Aug 3, 2009 17:04:00 GMT -8
26th President Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909)
The Teddy(Theodore) bear cut a NotCH(26) in the tree, to SooThe it after he saw his mom SoB(09).
I. Election (1904)
. . A. By 1904, people had adopted “T.R.” as their hero: he stood for what was fair and good, concerned for the public
. . . . 1. Coal strike, success in fighting trusts, vigorous speeches extolling patriotism, denouncing false and fraudulent; American People LOVED Roosevelt
. . B. Republicans: don’t even need to take a vote to nominate Roosevelt
. . C. Democrats: passed Bryan to nominate conservative Judge Alton B. Parker
. . . . 1. Nothing the Democrats really stood for
. . D. Socialists: nominate Eugene V. Debs
. . E. T.R. overwhelmingly wins and states that he won’t run for another nomination
II. Panama Canal
. . A. Reason: 71-day trip of U.S.S. “Oregon” from northwest coast of US around S. America to Cuba = strategic value to link Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
. . . . 1. US possessions stretching about half distance of globe required canal
. . B. Background
. . . . 1. US and Great Britain: area through which canal was built (no matter who built it) would be policed by British and American forces
. . . . . . a. Canal itself must be open to use of ships of all nations on identical terms
. . . . 2. French interest: spends $260 million and gives up: many problems force French Panama Company into bankruptcy
. . C. President Roosevelt and Congress favor cutting canal through Panama
. . . . 1. Despite this, considerable support for sea level canal through Nicaragua
. . . . 2. Congress approves expenditures of $40 million for purchase of rights and machinery of French Panama Company
. . D. Spanish American War + aggressive President = main reason project gets under way
. . . . 1. Secretary of State John Hay reaches agreement with foreign minister of England, Pauncefote
. . . . . . a. assurance by US that ships of all nations allowed to use canal on equal terms, England gives up right to share in policing of canal area
. . . . 2. Hay-Pauncefote Treaty clears way for negotiations with Columbia
. . . . . . a. Hay makes agreement with Colombian rep. giving US 6-mile strip of land across Panama
. . . . . . b. Colombian Senate refuses to approve deal because $10million too small a fee for the land
. . . . . . . . i. Angers Roosevelt to the dismay of Colombian state of Panama
. . . . . . c. Dr. Guerrero from Panama and Philippe Bunau-Varilla plan revolution by Panama from Columbia
. . . . . . . . i. President Roosevelt had not direct dealings, but US ships prevents Colombia from interfering with revolution
. . . . . . . . ii. Within a week, Pana declared itself independent and US extends official recognition of new republic
. . . . 3. Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty: grants US 10-mile-wide strip across Isthmus for $10million
. . E. Colonel Gorgas: army doctor who makes Panama livable zone with medical work and splendid organization
. . F. Colonel Gocthals: army engineer who directed the blasting and building of the Panama Canal
. . G. Took 10 years to dig Panama Canal; First ship passed through Aug. 15, 1914
. . . . 1. Not officially declared finished until 1921 (landslides closed its service)
III. Trust Problem
. . A. Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890: failed to check merging of businesses into huge aggregations of capitals (“trusts”)
. . . . 1. Roosevelt considers ineffectiveness of law denied “square deal” to people and to business in general
. . . . 2. Because Roosevelt can’t persuade Congress to pass new antitrust legislation, goes to A.G. to bring suit against Northern Securities Company
. . . . . . a. Supreme Court (5-4 decision) orders merger to dissolve and gave gov’t 1st substantial victory over business combination
. . . . . . b. Majority of Court: holding company deprived public of advantages that flow from free competition
. . B. Roosevelt intent on bringing end to “immunity from gov’t control” businesses enjoyed
. . . . 1. Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 and Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 largely ineffective
. . . . 2. Successful suits against: Standard Oil Company, American Tobacco company, beef trust, and fertilizer trust
. . . . . . a. Problem still remained unsolved despite 40 antitrust cases prosecuted
. . C. T.R. not opponent of “big business”- position:
. . . . 1. large-scale business operation were strength of US econ. and accounted for strides US made in manufacture and commerce
. . . . 2. enjoyed low prices, variety of products, constant intro of new products resulting from adequate capitalization and size of industrial units
. . . . 3. Opposition: when business combinations refused to operate w/in law or practices obviously against public welfare
IV. Coal Strike (1902)
. . A. May 1902: 140,000 miners went on strike – protested working conditions:
. . . . 1. Average annual wage was about $300
. . . . 2. houses in mining towns owned by company; miserable shacks
. . . . 3. Miners sometimes paid per ton of coal dug, but “ton” is 3,000 lbs.
. . . . 4. On certain jobs, miners paid by number of cars filled, but “full car” was one 9 inches above edge
. . . . 5. Miners who needed essential items for job had to buy own supplies from company store at higher than normal prices
. . . . 6. Some mines paid in token money, only good in company stores where prices were high
. . B. United Mine Workers of America president, John Mitchell, tried in vain to meet with mine operators to talk over situation
. . . . 1. Basic demand of miners was recognition of their union; wanted mine owners to talk to president (represent collective bargaining)
. . C. Coal shortage set in October; President Roosevelt calls John Mitchell and George Baer (spokesperson for mine owners) to White House
. . . . 1. Too President Roosevelt, public is the victim
. . . . 2. To prevent widespread suffering, sickness, and death, difference between miners and management had to be settled quickly
. . . . 3. Roosevelt makes strong plea for arbitration: Mitchell aggress but Baer leaves White House in a huff
. . . . . . a. J.P. Morgan = financial power behind mines, so: President informs US troops to seize and operate mines unless arbitration began
. . . . . . b. Morgan tells Baer to arbitrate: miners et 10% raise and few other improvements
. . D. When Roosevelt threatened to seize mines, nothing in Constitution that gave him any such power
. . . . 1. Roosevelt’s theory about presidential powers: President could do anything necessary as long as Constitution/laws say he couldn’t
V. Conservation Program
. . A. Government realized that our natural resources were not inexhaustible
. . . . 1. Forest Reserve Act of 1891 (1st step): permitted President to close timber areas to settlers and declare them nat’l parks
. . . . . . a. Roosevelt: adds 150 million acres of land and 85 million acres of mineral lands in Alaska
. . . . 2. Newlands Act (Reclamation Act) (June 1902): money received from sale of public lands in western states used for irrigation projects
. . . . . . a. Irrigated land sold to settlers on 10-yr payment plan: income used to create more irrigation projects
. . . . . . b. semiarid land becomes valuable fruit, sugar beet, and vegetable farms
. . . . 3. Roosevelt Dam on Salt River in Arizona: 1st great project
. . B. 1905: supervision of public lands put under care of Gifford Pinchot, 1st Chief Forester of the United States
. . . . 1. Influence of stimulating Roosevelt’s interest in conservation
. . . . 2. Won popular support and set in motion conservation programs in several states
. . C. May 1908: Roosevelt holds White House conference on conservation; Roosevelt and Pinchot succeeded in their efforts
. . . . 1. 40 states established conservation commissions
. . . . 2. Nat’l Conservation Committee with Pinchot as chairman set up: makes 1st inventory of natural resources of the United States
. . D. Conservation program and coal strike: great use of Roosevelt’s influence as US President -> built greater prestige into Presidential office
VI. Venezuelan Debt Controversy and Drago Doctrine
. . A. Background
. . . . 1. Cipriano Castro (Venezuelan Dictator) made no effort to meet debt payments due investors in England, Germany, Italy, and US
. . . . . . a. Europe considers using force despite Monroe Doctrine
. . . . . . . . i. US consulted by Germany and Great Britain before they est. blockade of Venezuelan ports (Dec 1902); shortly joined by Italian ships
. . B. Blockade had consent of US w/ definite understanding that European powers not to seize any Venezuelan territory
. . . . 1. Blockade resulted in sinking of Venezuelan gunboats and lobbing of shells into their ports -> Castro urges Roosevelt for arbitration
. . . . 2. European powers accept Secretary of State Hay’s proposal: submit controversy to Hague Tribunal
. . . . . . a. Cut European and US claims significantly
. . C. This incident showed recognition by European powers of Monroe Doctrine: brought pressure by force against Venezuela only after consulting US
. . . . 1. Had stopped use of force when we asked for arbitration
. . D. Drago Doctrine: formulated by Dr. Luis M. Drago (foreign minister of Argentina) after Venezuelan debt dispute
. . . . 1. Declared any attempt by European powers to collect debts by force from American nations would be contrary to int’l law
. . . . 2. Adopted by 46 nations at Hague Peace Conference of 1907
. . E. Corollary to Monroe Doctrine (1904)
. . . . 1. President Roosevelt thought that Drago Doctrine needed answer from the US
. . . . . . a. chronic wrongdoing may force US to exercise int’l police power; only as a last resort
. . . . 2. Roosevelt Corllary: US becomes debt collector in Latin America for its European creditors: leads to intervention in Latin American countries
. . . . . . a. Enterer upon 20 yrs of bad relations with southern neighbors: known as “Collusus of North”
VII. Foreign Relations
. . A. Receivership of Dominican Republic
. . . . 1. From 1903 – 1905: European creditors sought to receive payment from Dominican Republic
. . . . . . a. financial chaos and political instability make it a hopeless situation
. . . . 2. 1904: some American creditors paid = demand from European creditors grow louder
. . . . 3. Agreement reached between President and Dominican Republic
. . . . . . a. US could collect customs duties at Dominican ports and administer payment of its foreign debts
. . . . . . b. About 55% of duties turned over to creditors; 45% went to running of Dominican gov’t
. . . . 4. 1st time Roosevelt Corollary put into operation
. . B. Portsmouth Treaty (1905)
. . . . 1. Background: Russo-Japanese War (1904) makes Roosevelt interested in outcome that would best preserve Far East balance of power
. . . . 2. Quickly invites Russia and Japan to send reps to Portsmouth, NH for conference
. . . . . . a. Roosevelt’s influence persuades Japan to give up its demands for huge cash indemnity
. . . . . . b. Induced Russia to give Japan southern half of island of Sakhalin
. . . . 3. President Roosevelt receives Nobel Peace Prize (1906) for bringing war to early concession
. . C. Gentlemen’s Agreement and Root-Takahira Agreement with Japan
. . . . 1. Peace of Portsmouth ushered period of ill feeling between Japan ad US
. . . . . . a. Japanese learned Roosevelt opposed cash indemnity and anti-American demonstrations in Japanese cities
. . . . . . b. Also inflamed after learning Japanese segregated in San Francisco schools
. . . . . . c. Both posed problems for international importance
. . . . 2. Roosevelt calls mayor and other-anti-Japanese leaders of CA for a talk
. . . . . . a. Gentlemen’s Agreement of 1907: segregation in CA schools discontinued and Japanese gov’t agreed to not allow and laborer into US
. . . . 3. 1908: Secretary of State Elihu Root concluded Root-Takahira executive agreement
. . . . . . a. US recognized Japan’s dominance in Manchuria and Korea and Japan recognized US sovereignty in Philippines
. . . . . . b. Reiterated support of Open Door Policy in China
. . D. Algeciras Conference (1906)
. . . . 1. Background
. . . . . . a. 1904: British French collaboration (Entente Cordiale) against Germany due to Fashoda Affair and Boer War
. . . . . . . . i. Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria, Italy
. . . . . . b. Russia allied to France but after suffering defeat to Japanese in Russo-Japanese War, unable to play European power politics
. . . . . . c. Entente Cordiale vs. Triple Alliance: hostile lineup with neither side expected to risk war
. . . . 2. Wilhelm II calls for conference and asks President Roosevelt to arrange the conference
. . . . . . a. US rep. Henry White accomplished settlement that avoided immediate war
. . . . . . b. Moroccan independence recognized, but in 1912 it became French protectorate and in 1914 WWI began
. . E. With Roosevelt in so many world politics, Senate uncomfortable, esp. with Algeciras Conference
. . . . 1. Possible departure from “traditional American foreign policy”: avoid participation in purely European affairs
. . F. Hague Conferences (1899 and 1907)
. . . . 1. 1898: Czar Nicholas II of Russia calls for int’l conference to seek ways and means of stopping wealth in “armed peace”
. . . . . . a. Every move toward disarmament was blocked because several nations hoped status might be improved by use of armed force
. . . . 2. Hague Tribunal est as int’l court of arbitration: no force behind its decision
. . . . . . a. no nation had to submit disputes to it and used for minor differences that were no real threat to peace
. . . . 3. 1904: President Roosevelt suggests 2nd Hague conference but Russo Japanese War broke out, so didn’t get started until 1907
. . . . . . a. US stressed arbitration of int’l disputes and use of Hague Tribunal; arbitration still not compulsory
. . . . . . . . i. US Senate made provision that no dispute to which US a party can submit to arbitration without Senate approval
. . . . . . b. Drago Doctrine accepted by the conference
. . . . 4. Both conferences show necessity to abolish war and inability of nations to submit to any plan that limits freedom of action
VIII. Hepburn Act (1906)
. . A. Interstate Commerce Act had been ineffective for 19 years
. . . . 1. Railroads still enjoyed immunity from gov’t control
. . B. Hepburn Bill breathes life into Interstate Commerce Act; passed by Congress June 1906
. . . . 1. number of commissioners increased from 5 to 7
. . . . 2. Cover sleeping cars, oil pipelines, ferries, terminals, bridges, and express companies
. . . . 3. Reasonable maximum rates could be fixed; Uniform counting system had to be used
. . . . 4. rebates are forbidden; free passes prohibited
. . . . 5. orders of commission go into effect even if appeal made in court (TEETH in the act)
IX. Food problems
. . A. During Spanish-American War in Cuba, canned meat more fatal than bullets
. . . . 1. Reads “The Jungle” by Upton Sinclair: book into meat industry
. . . . 2. T.R. demanded legislation after investigators proved Sinclair’s claims true
. . . . . . a. Public demand literally drove laws through Congress within a year
. . B. USDA, American Medical Associated, and muckracking magazine articles supported President’s efforts for collective legislation
. . . . 1. By 1906, US has best supervision of food and drugs of any nation
X. Political Reforms
. . A. Job of reform usually a long process, but Roosevelt “was ablest politician to occupy White House”
. . . . 1. Roosevelt accomplished in spite of party and lead party in direction it was reluctant to take
. . B. Political democracy increased through:
. . . . 1. Initiative: petition containing draft of proposed law must be signed by designated percentage of voters
. . . . . . a. Petition filed with proper state official to be submitted to state legislature: Must act upon it
. . . . . . b. Where amendments or rival bills are proposed, must appear on ballot
. . . . 2. Protest Referendum: petition signed by designated percentage of voters
. . . . . . a. law passed by legislature be given chance to defeat in next general election
. . . . . . b. referendum gives voters veto power
. . . . 3. Ordinary Referendum
. . . . . . a. certain laws can be passed only by being referred to the voters: bond issues and amendments to state constitution
. . . . 4. Recall: device whereby voters may start machinery for dismissal of al elected appointed official
. . . . . . a. petition requiring designated percentage of voters result in special election to determine if official retains his/her position
. . . . . . b. seldom used
. . . . 5. Direct Primary: anyone who wishes to run for office may circulate petition and get required number of signatures
. . . . . . a. Minimum needed in each county of the state
. . . . . . b. Primary election, registered party members elect nominees from these candidates
. . C. All these devices gave voters more direct role in government: substitute democracy for republicanism, direct participation for representation
Commentary: Roosevelt is my favorite President, followed closely by JFK. The most inspiring thing about Roosevelt was his ability to lead the government and the county in the direction he wanted, and not being shaped by either. He did so with an amazing balance between executive power and charisma, demonstrating political intelligence and prestige. Although other Presidents have made more reforms than Roosevelt did, T.R. most definitely set the standard for other Presidents to follow. He made drastic changes to the way that the public viewed the political office and showed to the American citizen (whether or not this is true) that the government is there to serve the people.
His foreign policy is also something that I find interesting. I am pretty sure that Teddy Roosevelt overstepped his boundaries in regards to what he could and could not impose on other nations. His interference in Panama’s insurrection against Colombia has a story behind it, beyond what the book is telling I am sure. Although the book gives the statement that Roosevelt had no direct dealings, it is too much of a coincidence for the rebellion to have happened by chance when it was obvious that Roosevelt was angry at Colombia and wanted to by Panama. Also, with the Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, I am surprised that the Latin countries accepted such a doctrine. It was blatantly a complete denial of the Drago Doctrine and would probably be encroaching upon the rights of individual nations. What is more interesting is that the US definitely drew the line in that they were not associated with the Americas, but instead chose to associate itself with the rich nations of western and northern Europe.
The Teddy(Theodore) bear cut a NotCH(26) in the tree, to SooThe it after he saw his mom SoB(09).
I. Election (1904)
. . A. By 1904, people had adopted “T.R.” as their hero: he stood for what was fair and good, concerned for the public
. . . . 1. Coal strike, success in fighting trusts, vigorous speeches extolling patriotism, denouncing false and fraudulent; American People LOVED Roosevelt
. . B. Republicans: don’t even need to take a vote to nominate Roosevelt
. . C. Democrats: passed Bryan to nominate conservative Judge Alton B. Parker
. . . . 1. Nothing the Democrats really stood for
. . D. Socialists: nominate Eugene V. Debs
. . E. T.R. overwhelmingly wins and states that he won’t run for another nomination
II. Panama Canal
. . A. Reason: 71-day trip of U.S.S. “Oregon” from northwest coast of US around S. America to Cuba = strategic value to link Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
. . . . 1. US possessions stretching about half distance of globe required canal
. . B. Background
. . . . 1. US and Great Britain: area through which canal was built (no matter who built it) would be policed by British and American forces
. . . . . . a. Canal itself must be open to use of ships of all nations on identical terms
. . . . 2. French interest: spends $260 million and gives up: many problems force French Panama Company into bankruptcy
. . C. President Roosevelt and Congress favor cutting canal through Panama
. . . . 1. Despite this, considerable support for sea level canal through Nicaragua
. . . . 2. Congress approves expenditures of $40 million for purchase of rights and machinery of French Panama Company
. . D. Spanish American War + aggressive President = main reason project gets under way
. . . . 1. Secretary of State John Hay reaches agreement with foreign minister of England, Pauncefote
. . . . . . a. assurance by US that ships of all nations allowed to use canal on equal terms, England gives up right to share in policing of canal area
. . . . 2. Hay-Pauncefote Treaty clears way for negotiations with Columbia
. . . . . . a. Hay makes agreement with Colombian rep. giving US 6-mile strip of land across Panama
. . . . . . b. Colombian Senate refuses to approve deal because $10million too small a fee for the land
. . . . . . . . i. Angers Roosevelt to the dismay of Colombian state of Panama
. . . . . . c. Dr. Guerrero from Panama and Philippe Bunau-Varilla plan revolution by Panama from Columbia
. . . . . . . . i. President Roosevelt had not direct dealings, but US ships prevents Colombia from interfering with revolution
. . . . . . . . ii. Within a week, Pana declared itself independent and US extends official recognition of new republic
. . . . 3. Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty: grants US 10-mile-wide strip across Isthmus for $10million
. . E. Colonel Gorgas: army doctor who makes Panama livable zone with medical work and splendid organization
. . F. Colonel Gocthals: army engineer who directed the blasting and building of the Panama Canal
. . G. Took 10 years to dig Panama Canal; First ship passed through Aug. 15, 1914
. . . . 1. Not officially declared finished until 1921 (landslides closed its service)
III. Trust Problem
. . A. Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890: failed to check merging of businesses into huge aggregations of capitals (“trusts”)
. . . . 1. Roosevelt considers ineffectiveness of law denied “square deal” to people and to business in general
. . . . 2. Because Roosevelt can’t persuade Congress to pass new antitrust legislation, goes to A.G. to bring suit against Northern Securities Company
. . . . . . a. Supreme Court (5-4 decision) orders merger to dissolve and gave gov’t 1st substantial victory over business combination
. . . . . . b. Majority of Court: holding company deprived public of advantages that flow from free competition
. . B. Roosevelt intent on bringing end to “immunity from gov’t control” businesses enjoyed
. . . . 1. Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 and Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 largely ineffective
. . . . 2. Successful suits against: Standard Oil Company, American Tobacco company, beef trust, and fertilizer trust
. . . . . . a. Problem still remained unsolved despite 40 antitrust cases prosecuted
. . C. T.R. not opponent of “big business”- position:
. . . . 1. large-scale business operation were strength of US econ. and accounted for strides US made in manufacture and commerce
. . . . 2. enjoyed low prices, variety of products, constant intro of new products resulting from adequate capitalization and size of industrial units
. . . . 3. Opposition: when business combinations refused to operate w/in law or practices obviously against public welfare
IV. Coal Strike (1902)
. . A. May 1902: 140,000 miners went on strike – protested working conditions:
. . . . 1. Average annual wage was about $300
. . . . 2. houses in mining towns owned by company; miserable shacks
. . . . 3. Miners sometimes paid per ton of coal dug, but “ton” is 3,000 lbs.
. . . . 4. On certain jobs, miners paid by number of cars filled, but “full car” was one 9 inches above edge
. . . . 5. Miners who needed essential items for job had to buy own supplies from company store at higher than normal prices
. . . . 6. Some mines paid in token money, only good in company stores where prices were high
. . B. United Mine Workers of America president, John Mitchell, tried in vain to meet with mine operators to talk over situation
. . . . 1. Basic demand of miners was recognition of their union; wanted mine owners to talk to president (represent collective bargaining)
. . C. Coal shortage set in October; President Roosevelt calls John Mitchell and George Baer (spokesperson for mine owners) to White House
. . . . 1. Too President Roosevelt, public is the victim
. . . . 2. To prevent widespread suffering, sickness, and death, difference between miners and management had to be settled quickly
. . . . 3. Roosevelt makes strong plea for arbitration: Mitchell aggress but Baer leaves White House in a huff
. . . . . . a. J.P. Morgan = financial power behind mines, so: President informs US troops to seize and operate mines unless arbitration began
. . . . . . b. Morgan tells Baer to arbitrate: miners et 10% raise and few other improvements
. . D. When Roosevelt threatened to seize mines, nothing in Constitution that gave him any such power
. . . . 1. Roosevelt’s theory about presidential powers: President could do anything necessary as long as Constitution/laws say he couldn’t
V. Conservation Program
. . A. Government realized that our natural resources were not inexhaustible
. . . . 1. Forest Reserve Act of 1891 (1st step): permitted President to close timber areas to settlers and declare them nat’l parks
. . . . . . a. Roosevelt: adds 150 million acres of land and 85 million acres of mineral lands in Alaska
. . . . 2. Newlands Act (Reclamation Act) (June 1902): money received from sale of public lands in western states used for irrigation projects
. . . . . . a. Irrigated land sold to settlers on 10-yr payment plan: income used to create more irrigation projects
. . . . . . b. semiarid land becomes valuable fruit, sugar beet, and vegetable farms
. . . . 3. Roosevelt Dam on Salt River in Arizona: 1st great project
. . B. 1905: supervision of public lands put under care of Gifford Pinchot, 1st Chief Forester of the United States
. . . . 1. Influence of stimulating Roosevelt’s interest in conservation
. . . . 2. Won popular support and set in motion conservation programs in several states
. . C. May 1908: Roosevelt holds White House conference on conservation; Roosevelt and Pinchot succeeded in their efforts
. . . . 1. 40 states established conservation commissions
. . . . 2. Nat’l Conservation Committee with Pinchot as chairman set up: makes 1st inventory of natural resources of the United States
. . D. Conservation program and coal strike: great use of Roosevelt’s influence as US President -> built greater prestige into Presidential office
VI. Venezuelan Debt Controversy and Drago Doctrine
. . A. Background
. . . . 1. Cipriano Castro (Venezuelan Dictator) made no effort to meet debt payments due investors in England, Germany, Italy, and US
. . . . . . a. Europe considers using force despite Monroe Doctrine
. . . . . . . . i. US consulted by Germany and Great Britain before they est. blockade of Venezuelan ports (Dec 1902); shortly joined by Italian ships
. . B. Blockade had consent of US w/ definite understanding that European powers not to seize any Venezuelan territory
. . . . 1. Blockade resulted in sinking of Venezuelan gunboats and lobbing of shells into their ports -> Castro urges Roosevelt for arbitration
. . . . 2. European powers accept Secretary of State Hay’s proposal: submit controversy to Hague Tribunal
. . . . . . a. Cut European and US claims significantly
. . C. This incident showed recognition by European powers of Monroe Doctrine: brought pressure by force against Venezuela only after consulting US
. . . . 1. Had stopped use of force when we asked for arbitration
. . D. Drago Doctrine: formulated by Dr. Luis M. Drago (foreign minister of Argentina) after Venezuelan debt dispute
. . . . 1. Declared any attempt by European powers to collect debts by force from American nations would be contrary to int’l law
. . . . 2. Adopted by 46 nations at Hague Peace Conference of 1907
. . E. Corollary to Monroe Doctrine (1904)
. . . . 1. President Roosevelt thought that Drago Doctrine needed answer from the US
. . . . . . a. chronic wrongdoing may force US to exercise int’l police power; only as a last resort
. . . . 2. Roosevelt Corllary: US becomes debt collector in Latin America for its European creditors: leads to intervention in Latin American countries
. . . . . . a. Enterer upon 20 yrs of bad relations with southern neighbors: known as “Collusus of North”
VII. Foreign Relations
. . A. Receivership of Dominican Republic
. . . . 1. From 1903 – 1905: European creditors sought to receive payment from Dominican Republic
. . . . . . a. financial chaos and political instability make it a hopeless situation
. . . . 2. 1904: some American creditors paid = demand from European creditors grow louder
. . . . 3. Agreement reached between President and Dominican Republic
. . . . . . a. US could collect customs duties at Dominican ports and administer payment of its foreign debts
. . . . . . b. About 55% of duties turned over to creditors; 45% went to running of Dominican gov’t
. . . . 4. 1st time Roosevelt Corollary put into operation
. . B. Portsmouth Treaty (1905)
. . . . 1. Background: Russo-Japanese War (1904) makes Roosevelt interested in outcome that would best preserve Far East balance of power
. . . . 2. Quickly invites Russia and Japan to send reps to Portsmouth, NH for conference
. . . . . . a. Roosevelt’s influence persuades Japan to give up its demands for huge cash indemnity
. . . . . . b. Induced Russia to give Japan southern half of island of Sakhalin
. . . . 3. President Roosevelt receives Nobel Peace Prize (1906) for bringing war to early concession
. . C. Gentlemen’s Agreement and Root-Takahira Agreement with Japan
. . . . 1. Peace of Portsmouth ushered period of ill feeling between Japan ad US
. . . . . . a. Japanese learned Roosevelt opposed cash indemnity and anti-American demonstrations in Japanese cities
. . . . . . b. Also inflamed after learning Japanese segregated in San Francisco schools
. . . . . . c. Both posed problems for international importance
. . . . 2. Roosevelt calls mayor and other-anti-Japanese leaders of CA for a talk
. . . . . . a. Gentlemen’s Agreement of 1907: segregation in CA schools discontinued and Japanese gov’t agreed to not allow and laborer into US
. . . . 3. 1908: Secretary of State Elihu Root concluded Root-Takahira executive agreement
. . . . . . a. US recognized Japan’s dominance in Manchuria and Korea and Japan recognized US sovereignty in Philippines
. . . . . . b. Reiterated support of Open Door Policy in China
. . D. Algeciras Conference (1906)
. . . . 1. Background
. . . . . . a. 1904: British French collaboration (Entente Cordiale) against Germany due to Fashoda Affair and Boer War
. . . . . . . . i. Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria, Italy
. . . . . . b. Russia allied to France but after suffering defeat to Japanese in Russo-Japanese War, unable to play European power politics
. . . . . . c. Entente Cordiale vs. Triple Alliance: hostile lineup with neither side expected to risk war
. . . . 2. Wilhelm II calls for conference and asks President Roosevelt to arrange the conference
. . . . . . a. US rep. Henry White accomplished settlement that avoided immediate war
. . . . . . b. Moroccan independence recognized, but in 1912 it became French protectorate and in 1914 WWI began
. . E. With Roosevelt in so many world politics, Senate uncomfortable, esp. with Algeciras Conference
. . . . 1. Possible departure from “traditional American foreign policy”: avoid participation in purely European affairs
. . F. Hague Conferences (1899 and 1907)
. . . . 1. 1898: Czar Nicholas II of Russia calls for int’l conference to seek ways and means of stopping wealth in “armed peace”
. . . . . . a. Every move toward disarmament was blocked because several nations hoped status might be improved by use of armed force
. . . . 2. Hague Tribunal est as int’l court of arbitration: no force behind its decision
. . . . . . a. no nation had to submit disputes to it and used for minor differences that were no real threat to peace
. . . . 3. 1904: President Roosevelt suggests 2nd Hague conference but Russo Japanese War broke out, so didn’t get started until 1907
. . . . . . a. US stressed arbitration of int’l disputes and use of Hague Tribunal; arbitration still not compulsory
. . . . . . . . i. US Senate made provision that no dispute to which US a party can submit to arbitration without Senate approval
. . . . . . b. Drago Doctrine accepted by the conference
. . . . 4. Both conferences show necessity to abolish war and inability of nations to submit to any plan that limits freedom of action
VIII. Hepburn Act (1906)
. . A. Interstate Commerce Act had been ineffective for 19 years
. . . . 1. Railroads still enjoyed immunity from gov’t control
. . B. Hepburn Bill breathes life into Interstate Commerce Act; passed by Congress June 1906
. . . . 1. number of commissioners increased from 5 to 7
. . . . 2. Cover sleeping cars, oil pipelines, ferries, terminals, bridges, and express companies
. . . . 3. Reasonable maximum rates could be fixed; Uniform counting system had to be used
. . . . 4. rebates are forbidden; free passes prohibited
. . . . 5. orders of commission go into effect even if appeal made in court (TEETH in the act)
IX. Food problems
. . A. During Spanish-American War in Cuba, canned meat more fatal than bullets
. . . . 1. Reads “The Jungle” by Upton Sinclair: book into meat industry
. . . . 2. T.R. demanded legislation after investigators proved Sinclair’s claims true
. . . . . . a. Public demand literally drove laws through Congress within a year
. . B. USDA, American Medical Associated, and muckracking magazine articles supported President’s efforts for collective legislation
. . . . 1. By 1906, US has best supervision of food and drugs of any nation
X. Political Reforms
. . A. Job of reform usually a long process, but Roosevelt “was ablest politician to occupy White House”
. . . . 1. Roosevelt accomplished in spite of party and lead party in direction it was reluctant to take
. . B. Political democracy increased through:
. . . . 1. Initiative: petition containing draft of proposed law must be signed by designated percentage of voters
. . . . . . a. Petition filed with proper state official to be submitted to state legislature: Must act upon it
. . . . . . b. Where amendments or rival bills are proposed, must appear on ballot
. . . . 2. Protest Referendum: petition signed by designated percentage of voters
. . . . . . a. law passed by legislature be given chance to defeat in next general election
. . . . . . b. referendum gives voters veto power
. . . . 3. Ordinary Referendum
. . . . . . a. certain laws can be passed only by being referred to the voters: bond issues and amendments to state constitution
. . . . 4. Recall: device whereby voters may start machinery for dismissal of al elected appointed official
. . . . . . a. petition requiring designated percentage of voters result in special election to determine if official retains his/her position
. . . . . . b. seldom used
. . . . 5. Direct Primary: anyone who wishes to run for office may circulate petition and get required number of signatures
. . . . . . a. Minimum needed in each county of the state
. . . . . . b. Primary election, registered party members elect nominees from these candidates
. . C. All these devices gave voters more direct role in government: substitute democracy for republicanism, direct participation for representation
Commentary: Roosevelt is my favorite President, followed closely by JFK. The most inspiring thing about Roosevelt was his ability to lead the government and the county in the direction he wanted, and not being shaped by either. He did so with an amazing balance between executive power and charisma, demonstrating political intelligence and prestige. Although other Presidents have made more reforms than Roosevelt did, T.R. most definitely set the standard for other Presidents to follow. He made drastic changes to the way that the public viewed the political office and showed to the American citizen (whether or not this is true) that the government is there to serve the people.
His foreign policy is also something that I find interesting. I am pretty sure that Teddy Roosevelt overstepped his boundaries in regards to what he could and could not impose on other nations. His interference in Panama’s insurrection against Colombia has a story behind it, beyond what the book is telling I am sure. Although the book gives the statement that Roosevelt had no direct dealings, it is too much of a coincidence for the rebellion to have happened by chance when it was obvious that Roosevelt was angry at Colombia and wanted to by Panama. Also, with the Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, I am surprised that the Latin countries accepted such a doctrine. It was blatantly a complete denial of the Drago Doctrine and would probably be encroaching upon the rights of individual nations. What is more interesting is that the US definitely drew the line in that they were not associated with the Americas, but instead chose to associate itself with the rich nations of western and northern Europe.