TR An American Lion
Suggested questions for teacher use:

• How do Roosevelt's actions in these events illustrate the growing power of the presidency?

• How do these actions relate to the president's relationship with the legislative branch (Congress) and the checks and balances built into the US Constitution?
 
Student research and analysis:

• You are a member of the US Senate. Would you vote for or against funding for the acquisition and construction of the Panama Canal zone?" Explain your answer.

• What parallels can be seen between the diplomatic/international leadership of Roosevelt at the turn of the century and President Bush today?



 
Click on the clips below for examples of how presidential powers expanded during the TR administration.
Northern Securities trust debate - T.R. as trustbuster


This clip introduces the great Northern Securities trust debate. It shows T.R.'s initial foray into the "trust-busting" arena for which he is so famous. Trust-busting serves as a good example of the presidential role as manager of economic prosperity. In addition, it exemplifies T.R.'s specific belief that the American President should be the "steward of the people."
Coal Miners Strike - T.R. as peacemaker in industrial disputes


This clip provides another example of T.R. in both the steward role and the economic manager role. Of particular interest is T.R.'s clear support of the American people's interests in this crisis. While his support of the miners vs. the owners is less tangible, the crisis does illustrate a shift from the viewpoints of previous Republican administrations. T.R.'s presidency was a break in the nearly automatic support that the G.O.P. provided for big business before and after Roosevelt.
Acquisition of Panama Canal Zone - T.R. carries a big stick


This clip exemplifies T.R.'s famous "Big Stick", in this case, his advocacy of naval power and the construction of the Great White Fleet. The clip can also be used to introduce the controversy regarding funding for the fleet. That debate illustrated the struggles between the executive and legislative branches and can be helpful in discussing the system of checks and balances in the U.S. government.
Construction of the Panama Canal - T.R. and his big ditch


This clip shows Roosevelt's expanding world view. Roosevelt perceives a growing interdependence in international affairs and is concerned that Germany and Japan will become new threats. He sees "civilized" nations providing leadership to the "uncivilized." Congress agrees with Roosevelt on the construction of a canal and allocates money for this purpose. Roosevelt becomes the first president to leave the United States while in office when he visits the canal in 1806.
Forestry Service established -- T.R. as preservationist


The clip helps to open the discussion of environmentalism. Roosevelt took great pride in his environmental record. For many Americans, this is the most prominent aspect of his career. Of particular interest in this discussion is Roosevelt's use of executive orders. This was a major step in the gradual growth of American executive power outside the sphere of foreign policy.
Presidency as a powerful activist institution - T.R increases executive power


This clip introduces the final summary of Theodore Roosevelt's administration and his executive power. The main emphasis is T.R.'s transformation of the president's role in America. He laid the groundwork for the modern presidency and the increasing activism of the executive branch.
Panama Canal's Military Importance -- T.R. as military leader


This clip shows why President Roosevelt saw the completion of the canal as his number one priority. As a military leader in the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt was frustrated with the inability of moving American warships quickly from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean campaign.