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Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt Essay

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Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt

Throughout the ages there have been many great leaders. These leaders are powerful in many ways, with a strong control over the people, and a place in history. But who would have guessed that two cousins would be some of the greatest government figures ever? Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt, both American presidents, both American Heroes. Without these dignitaries, the American advancement into the present day would be incomplete and/or impossible. They gave people hope through hard times and the spirit to protect their country and one another.

“ S p e a k s o f t l y… C a r r y a b i g s t i c k ”

Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt was born into a rich New York family in 1858. His …show more content…

In 1904 Roosevelt was re-elected for a second term in office. In 1906, he passed the Pure Food and Drug act. This group of laws protected American consumers from harmful food, drugs, and cosmetics. Roosevelt took advantage of his presidential powers to bust into foreign affairs in Latin America and resolved the Russo- Japanese war. This valiant act earned him a Nobel Peace Prize.

Roosevelt felt strongly about trade throughout the world. In 1904 the Isthmus of Panama was first broken by American shovel. After months of negotiation, the Latin American government allowed the creation of the Panama Canal. The U.S. military and other volunteers did most of the work. But because of Yellow Fever and Malaria , few workers returned. In 1914 the Canal Zone was finished and for the first time the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans were flowing together.

As Roosevelt’s second term was coming to an end, he picked William Howard Taft as his successor. Taft preached his ideas to the public, criticizing Roosevelt in his speeches.
Roosevelt, hearing about his partner’s insulting speeches, broke from the Republican’s and formed a third party which he called the Progressive Party. The two duked it out in “The most remarkable political joust that the United States has ever seen…” Meanwhile, very quietly, Woodrow Wilson, under the Democratic Party was campaigning.
Realizing the benefits that Roosevelt and Taft were dishing out,

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