What was a key feature of U.S. foreign policy under President Theodore Roosevelt?

A key feature of U.S. foreign policy under President Theodore Roosevelt was the Big Stick policy, which emphasized military readiness. This approach was characterized by Roosevelt's belief in the importance of using the U.S. Navy and military power as instruments of diplomacy when necessary. The phrase "speak softly and carry a big stick" encapsulates this strategy, where Roosevelt advocated for diplomatic negotiation backed by the threat of force if needed.

Under this policy, Roosevelt expanded the U.S. presence on the global stage, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, through actions such as the construction of the Panama Canal and the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. This corollary asserted the U.S. right to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and prevent European intervention, reflecting a proactive rather than a passive approach to foreign relations. The Big Stick policy thus represented a significant shift from previous isolationist tendencies, marking the U.S. as a more assertive international actor during Roosevelt's presidency.