The
odore Roosevelt: The Man Who Changed America Theodore Roosevelt was one of the most influential presidents in American history. Born in 1858, Roosevelt lived through a time of great transition in America, from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of World War I. As president from 1901 to 1909, he transformed the country in ways that still shape America today. Roosevelt was a man of many accomplishments. He was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, who preserved millions of acres of land and started the national park system. He was a trust-buster who broke up powerful monopolies like Standard Oil and the railroad industry. And he was a champion of social justice, fighting for the rights of workers, women, and minorities. Perhaps Roosevelt's most enduring legacy, however, was his belief in American exceptionalism. He believed that America had a special role to play in world affairs, and he pursued a foreign policy that expanded American influence across the globe. He was responsible for building the Panama Canal, which revolutionized trade and transportation, and he established America as a major player in international diplomacy. Roosevelt was a complex figure, with both strengths and weaknesses. His belief in American exceptionalism sometimes led him to embrace imperialistic policies that later proved problematic. And his progressive ideals often clashed with the conservatism of his own party. But for better or for worse, Roosevelt left an indelible mark on America. He transformed the country into a world power and set the stage for the dramatic changes that would come in the 20th century and beyond. Today, Theodore Roosevelt remains an icon of American history, a symbol of the boldness and Idealism that define American exceptionalism.