Malcolm Rivera
Big stick diplomacy was a political approach used by the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, to assert U.S. domination when such dominance was considered a moral imperative. The term big stick is derived from an aphorism often used by Roosevelt: Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far. This approach was based on the idea of negotiating peacefully while also having the strength to threaten the use of military force if necessary. Roosevelt believed that the United States had a right and an obligation to be the policeman of the Western Hemisphere and that its interests were global interests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Derived from the phrase "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far", which Roosevelt claimed was a West African proverb. |
| Definition | A political approach used by the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, to assert U.S. domination when such dominance was considered the moral imperative. |
| Components | Possessing serious military capability that would force the adversary to pay close attention. |
| Roosevelt's Philosophy | Roosevelt believed that the United States had the right and the obligation to be the policeman of the Western Hemisphere. |
| Roosevelt's Actions | Roosevelt used military muscle to complement his diplomatic policies and enforce the Monroe Doctrine during multiple interventions in Latin America. |
| Examples | Roosevelt sent American battleships to the coast of Colombia in support of the Panamanian revolution in 1903. |
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What You'll Learn
- The policy was popularized by Theodore Roosevelt
- It was based on the proverb speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far
- Roosevelt believed in the peaceful negotiation and use of military strength if needed
- The US used the big stick during Canal Diplomacy
- Roosevelt's policy helped make the US a respected world power
The policy was popularized by Theodore Roosevelt
The Big Stick ideology, also known as Big Stick diplomacy, philosophy, or policy, was a political approach popularized and named by the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. The term is derived from the phrase, "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far," which Roosevelt claimed was a West African proverb, although there is little evidence to support this.
Roosevelt, then Governor of New York, wrote to Henry L. Sprague in a letter dated January 26, 1900, expressing his fondness for the saying. He first publicly uttered the phrase in the same year in relation to his reputation for holding state senators accountable. Roosevelt elaborated on the meaning of the proverb, explaining that one must be diplomatic and peaceful in negotiations, but also be prepared to use force if necessary. This idea is reflected in the proverb, "If you simply speak softly, the other man will bully you. If you leave your stick at home, you will find the other man did not. If you carry the stick only and forget to speak softly, in nine cases out of ten, the other man will have a bigger stick."
Roosevelt's Big Stick policy had five components. Firstly, it emphasized the need for a strong military capability that would force adversaries to take the United States seriously. This meant investing in a world-class navy, as Roosevelt did not have a large army at his disposal until the 1900s. Secondly, the policy was used to enforce the Monroe Doctrine and intervene in Latin America, as seen in the Great White Fleet of 16 battleships that peacefully circumnavigated the globe, showcasing American power. Thirdly, Roosevelt used the Big Stick policy in "Canal Diplomacy," pursuing the construction of a canal across Central America. This resulted in negotiations with Nicaragua and Panama, with the United States offering financial incentives and guarantees of sovereignty and independence in exchange for canal rights. Fourthly, Roosevelt employed the policy in his relations with domestic political leaders, such as holding state senators accountable and addressing issues like the regulation of monopolies and the demands of trade unions. Finally, the Big Stick policy was a key aspect of Roosevelt's foreign policy in Latin America and the Caribbean, where he sought to assert American dominance when he believed it was morally necessary.
Roosevelt continued to refer to the Big Stick ideology even after his presidency. In 1914, he wrote about Belgium's lack of preparedness for World War I in Outlook magazine, once again invoking the proverb, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." He emphasized that a nation must strive to maintain peace and respect the rights of others, but also be prepared to defend itself and its interests when necessary.
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It was based on the proverb speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far
The "big stick" ideology, also known as ""big stick diplomacy", was a political approach used by the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. The term is derived from an aphorism often used by Roosevelt: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far". Roosevelt, in a letter to a friend, claimed that this was a West African proverb, although there is little evidence to support this.
The "big stick" ideology revolves around the idea of negotiating peacefully while also having the strength to resort to force if necessary. This ties in with the concept of Realpolitik, which implies a pursuit of political power. Roosevelt believed that the United States had the right and the obligation to be the "policeman" of the Western Hemisphere, and that its interests were global interests. This belief, along with his strategy of "speaking softly and carrying a big stick", shaped much of his foreign policy.
Roosevelt's first noted public use of the phrase occurred when he advocated before the US Congress for increasing naval preparation to support the nation's diplomatic objectives. He believed that it was unnecessary to use force to achieve foreign policy goals, as long as the military could threaten force. This rationale also rested on Roosevelt's philosophy, which he termed the "strenuous life", prizing challenges overseas as opportunities to instill American men with the resolve and vigour they allegedly once had.
Roosevelt's "big stick" diplomacy had five components. Firstly, it was essential to possess serious military capability that would force the adversary to pay close attention. This meant having a world-class navy, as Roosevelt never had a large army at his disposal until the 1900s. This was demonstrated in 1903 when Roosevelt sent American battleships to the coast of Colombia in support of the Panamanian people, who were revolting against Colombian rule. The warships blocked Colombia from sending additional troops to the region, and within a week, Roosevelt recognised the new country of Panama, offering them sovereignty and financial support.
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Roosevelt believed in the peaceful negotiation and use of military strength if needed
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, is known for his big stick ideology, also known as big stick diplomacy or big stick policy. This term is derived from the phrase, "speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far", which Roosevelt claimed was a West African proverb, although there is little evidence to support this.
Roosevelt's first noted public use of the phrase occurred when he advocated before the US Congress for increasing naval preparation to support the nation's diplomatic objectives. He believed that in light of the country's recent military successes, it was unnecessary to use force to achieve foreign policy goals, so long as the military could threaten force. This rationale also rested on Roosevelt's philosophy, which he termed the "strenuous life", and that prized challenges overseas as opportunities to instill American men with the resolve and vigour they allegedly had once acquired in the Trans-Mississippi West.
Roosevelt used military muscle several times throughout his two terms with a more subtle touch to complement his diplomatic policies and enforce the Monroe Doctrine during multiple interventions in Latin America. For example, in 1903, he sent American battleships to the coast of Colombia, ostensibly for practice manoeuvres, as the Panamanian revolution against Colombia unfolded. The warships effectively blocked Colombia from moving additional troops into the region to quell the growing Panamanian uprising. Within a week, Roosevelt immediately recognized the new country of Panama, welcoming them to the world community and offering them sovereignty and independence. Following the successful revolution, Panama became an American protectorate, and remained so until 1939.
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The US used the big stick during Canal Diplomacy
The "big stick" ideology, also known as big stick diplomacy, philosophy, or policy, was a political approach used by the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. The term is derived from the phrase, "speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far," which Roosevelt claimed was a West African proverb, although there is little evidence to support this.
The "big stick" approach involved negotiating peacefully but also having the strength to take action if needed. This ties in with the idea of Realpolitik, which implies a pursuit of political power resembling Machiavellian ideals. Roosevelt described his style of foreign policy as "the exercise of intelligent forethought and of decisive action sufficiently far in advance of any likely crisis".
The United States used the "big stick" during "Canal Diplomacy", the diplomatic actions taken by the US during its pursuit of a canal across Central America. In 1901, Secretary of State John Hay pressed the Nicaraguan government for approval of a canal. Nicaragua would receive $1.5 million in ratification, $100,000 annually, and the US would "provide sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity". However, Nicaragua returned the contract draft with a change; they requested $6 million in ratification instead of an annual $100,000. The US accepted the deal, but after Congress approved the contract, a problem of court jurisdiction arose. The US did not have legal jurisdiction in the land of the future canal.
The US again used its "big stick" when it engineered a revolution in Colombia, leading to Panama's revolt and independence in 1903. This was due to the Colombian people's outrage over the loss of their land to the US and the low payment offered. Roosevelt threatened to take the project away from Colombia and build the canal through Nicaragua. Ultimately, Panama became a new republic, receiving $10 million from the US, annual payments of $250,000, and guarantees of independence. The US gained the rights to the canal strip "in perpetuity".
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Roosevelt's policy helped make the US a respected world power
The Big Stick ideology, also known as the Big Stick diplomacy, philosophy, or policy, was a political approach used by the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. The ideology is derived from the aphorism "speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far", which Roosevelt claimed was a West African proverb, although there is little evidence to support this.
Roosevelt's Big Stick policy helped make the US a respected world power in several ways. Firstly, it asserted US domination when such dominance was considered a moral imperative. Roosevelt believed that the US had a responsibility to protect countries in the Americas from recolonization by European powers, and that it would intervene militarily if necessary. This policy, known as the Roosevelt Corollary, took the Monroe Doctrine a step further and served as justification for US intervention in Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Roosevelt's policy of negotiating peacefully while also having military strength in case things went wrong aligned with the idea of Realpolitik, which implies a pursuit of political power. This approach helped the US gain respect as a world power by demonstrating its ability to act decisively and maintain stability in the region.
Additionally, Roosevelt's Big Stick policy was applied during "Canal Diplomacy", the diplomatic actions of the US during the pursuit of a canal across Central America. In 1901, the US negotiated with Nicaragua for approval of a canal, offering $1.5 million in ratification, $100,000 annually, and a guarantee of "sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity". However, a problem of court jurisdiction arose, and pro-Panama representatives posed challenges for Nicaragua. Ultimately, the canal was built in Panama, and the US construction of the Panama Canal, which began in 1904 and continued until 1914, further solidified the country's position as a respected world power.
Roosevelt's Big Stick policy also extended to his diplomatic relations with European countries, which played a significant role in establishing the US as a respected global force. He intervened to prevent a potential war between Germany and France over their colonial claims in Morocco, showcasing his commitment to maintaining international peace and stability. Moreover, Roosevelt's policy of building a strong navy and his belief in the global significance of US interests, including its intervention in Latin America, further contributed to the country's rise as a respected power on the world stage.
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Frequently asked questions
The "big stick" refers to military power. Roosevelt believed that it was unnecessary to use force to achieve foreign policy goals, as long as the military could threaten force.
The "speak softly" part refers to negotiating peacefully. Roosevelt believed that it was important to be respectful towards all people and to refrain from wronging them.
Roosevelt claimed that the proverb was a West African proverb, although there is little evidence for that.
Roosevelt used the "big stick" to support the Panamanian people when they chose to revolt against Colombia and form their own nation. He sent American battleships to the coast of Colombia, blocking them from moving additional troops into the region.
