Theodore Roosevelt Dbq

It is hard to believe Theodore Roosevelt was never supposed to become the President due to all of his significant contributions to the office and to the United States. Roosevelt agreed to be the Vice President of McKinley knowing that, assuming the role would end his political career. However, following the assassination of William McKinley, Roosevelt was brought back into politics where he became the President. Roosevelt was different from other presidents in that he saw the office as a legislative leader, brought many reforms that benefit modern America today, and handled challenges in a quick manner. Roosevelt viewed the office of the President as a major leader in the legislative process. During a time where reform was required, Roosevelt was able to change the public opinion in order to push reforms through Congress. Never before, did the President go to the public to promote policies, but Roosevelt did because he knew it was the most effective way to bring the necessary change to the United States. By doing so, he helped pass many reforms like the Pure Food and Drug Act, which helped keep Americans safe from harmful foods and drugs. In addition,

Roosevelt handled challenges faced towards him by responding quickly to them. Instead of going through the long process of Congress, Roosevelt used his powers of the Presidency to speed up the way the United States handles a situation. For example, the Coal Strike of 1902 posed a great danger to the United States because the United States was so dependent on coal for heating citizens. Roosevelt saw how the strike could be dangerous to Americans, so he quickly put an end to it by taking government control over the coal mines. Roosevelt ending the Coal Strike expanded the powers of the president because instead of going through the slow process of Congress, the President could now use his powers to handle challenges in a swift