View source for Big stick ideology

{{Short description|American political catchphrase}}
{{redirect|Big stick}}
[[Image:Tr-bigstick-cartoon.JPG|thumb|[[William Allen Rogers]]'s 1904 cartoon recreates an episode in ''[[Gulliver's Travels]]''.]]
{{TRseries}}

'''Big stick ideology''', '''big stick diplomacy''', '''big stick philosophy''', or '''big stick policy''' was a political approach used by the 26th president of the United States, [[Theodore Roosevelt]]. The terms are derived from an [[aphorism]] which Roosevelt often said: "speak softly and carry a big stick;  you will go far".<ref>{{cite book|author=Suzy Platt|title=Respectfully Quoted: A Dictionary of Quotations|url=https://archive.org/details/respectfullyquot00suzy|url-access=registration|year=1993|publisher=Barnes & Noble |page=[https://archive.org/details/respectfullyquot00suzy/page/123 123]|isbn=978-0880297684}}</ref> The American press during his time, as well as many modern historians today, used the term "big stick" to describe the [[Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt#Foreign policy|foreign policy]] positions during his administration. 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".<ref>{{cite book|author=David McCullough|title=The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870–1914|url=https://archive.org/details/pathbetweenseas00mccu/page/382/|year=1977|publisher=Simon and Schuster|page=382|isbn=978-0743201377}}</ref> As practiced by Roosevelt, big stick diplomacy had five components. First, it was essential to possess serious military capability that would force the adversary to pay close attention. At the time that meant a world-class navy; Roosevelt never had a large army at his disposal. The other qualities were to act justly toward other nations, never to bluff, to strike only when prepared to strike hard, and to be willing to allow the adversary to [[save face]] in defeat.<ref>{{cite book|author=Cathal J. Nolan|title=Ethics and Statecraft: The Moral Dimension of International Affairs|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h_4r9ErdsLEC&pg=PA103|year=2004|publisher=Greenwood|pages=103–104|isbn=978-0313314933}}</ref>  

The idea is negotiating peacefully but also having strength in case things go wrong. Simultaneously threatening with the "big stick", or the military, ties in heavily with the idea of [[Realpolitik]], which implies a pursuit of political power that resembles [[Machiavelli]]an ideals.<ref name="High Beam">{{cite web| title = Big Stick and Dollar Diplomacy| publisher =  Encyclopedia.com| year = 2001| url = http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3468300113.html| access-date = July 16, 2008}}</ref> It is comparable to [[gunboat diplomacy]], as used in international politics by the  powers.

== Background ==
{{stack|[[Image:SpeakSoftly.jpg|thumb|The letter in which [[Theodore Roosevelt|Roosevelt]] first used his now-famous phrase (26 January 1900)]]}}
The term derives 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 for that.<ref name="phrases.org.uk">{{cite web |access-date=30 March 2014 |language=en |title=Speak softly and carry a big stick |url=http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/speak-softly-and-carry-a-big-stick.html}}<!-- auto-translated from Italian by Module:CS1 translator --></ref>
Roosevelt (then [[Governor of New York]]), in a bout of happiness after forcing New York's [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] committee to pull support away from a corrupt financial adviser, wrote to Henry L. Sprague a letter dated January 26, 1900,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm139.html |title=Speak Softly … |website=[[Library of Congress]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908212906/http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm139.html |access-date=2020-03-15 |archive-date=2016-09-08 }}
</ref> in which he said: {{quote|text=I have always been fond of the West African proverb: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."}}

He first publicly uttered the phrase in March of the same year in relation to his reputation for holding state Senators accountable. Roosevelt added clarification to the meaning of the saying.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1900-04-01 |title=Gambling and Vice in the State Capital |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |pages=39}}</ref>

{{quote|text=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 would go on to be [[1900 United States presidential election|elected Vice President]] later that year and subsequently used the aphorism in an address to the [[Minnesota State Fair]] entitled "National Duties" on September 2, 1901:<ref>{{cite book |page=288 |title=The Strenuous Life: Essays and Addresses |first=Theodore |last=Roosevelt |location=New York |publisher=Century |year=1902|hdl = 2027/uva.x000144517}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.theodore-roosevelt.com/images/research/txtspeeches/678.pdf |title=National Duties |access-date=2014-07-29 |archive-date=2014-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217161908/http://www.theodore-roosevelt.com/images/research/txtspeeches/678.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{quote|A good many of you are probably acquainted with the old proverb: "Speak softly and carry a big stick—you will go far."}}

== Usage ==
Although it had been used before his presidency, Roosevelt used military muscle several times throughout his two terms with a more subtle touch to complement his diplomatic policies and enforcing the [[Monroe Doctrine]] throughout multiple interventions in Latin America. This included the [[Great White Fleet]], 16 battleships which peacefully circumnavigated the globe as an illustration of United States's rising yet neutral prestige under Roosevelt's direction.<ref>James R. Holmes, "'A Striking Thing'  Leadership, Strategic Communications, and Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet." ''Naval War College Review'' 61.1 (2008): 50–67. [https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a519197.pdf  Online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117073854/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a519197.pdf |date=2022-01-17 }}</ref>

=== Latin America ===
==== Venezuelan Affair (1902) and the Roosevelt Corollary ====
{{stack|[[File:BigStickinLAmerica.jpg|thumb|Some American uses of the "big stick" in [[Middle America (Americas)|Middle America]], {{circa|1900–1906}}<ref name="Bailey">{{Harvnb|Bailey|1980|p=500}}</ref>]]}}

In the early 20th century, [[Venezuela]] was receiving complaints from [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|Britain]] and [[German Empire|Germany]] about "acts of violence against the liberty of British subjects and the massive capture of British vessels" who were from the UK and the lack of Venezuelan initiative to pay off long-standing debts.<ref name="Hershey">{{Harvnb|Hershey|1903|p=251}}</ref><ref name="Barck">{{harvnb|Barck|1974|p=99}}</ref> After the [[Royal Navy]] and [[Imperial German Navy]] [[Venezuelan crisis of 1902–1903|took naval action with a blockade on Venezuela]] (1902–1903), Roosevelt denounced the blockade. The blockade provided the initial basis of the [[Roosevelt Corollary]] to the [[Monroe Doctrine]].<ref name="MSN Foreign">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Theodore Roosevelt: Foreign Policy |series=Encarta |publisher=MSN |year=2008 |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761558578_5/Theodore_Roosevelt.html |access-date=2008-07-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028195204/http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761558578_5/Theodore_Roosevelt.html |archive-date=2009-10-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="LaFeber">{{Harvnb|LaFeber|1993|p=198}}</ref>

In 1904, although he had mentioned the basis of his idea beforehand in private letters, Roosevelt officially announced the corollary, stating that he only wanted the "other republics on this continent" to be "happy and prosperous". For that goal to be met, the corollary required that they "maintain order within their borders and behave with a just obligation toward outsiders".<ref name="LaFeber" />

Most historians, such as one of Roosevelt's many biographers [[Howard K. Beale]], have summarized that the corollary was influenced by Roosevelt's personal beliefs as well as his connections to foreign bondholders.<ref name="LaFeber" /><ref name="Fagan">{{cite web| last=Fagan | first=Patrick| title=On Historians' Changing Perceptions of Theodore Roosevelt Pre-1950s and Post-1940s| publisher=WorkingPapers.org| date=May 18, 2005| url=http://workingpapers.org/writings/roosevelt.htm| access-date=2008-08-27 }}</ref><ref name="Gould">{{Harvnb|Gould|1991|p=380}}</ref> The U.S. public was very "tense" during the two-month blockade; Roosevelt asked  Britain and Germany to pull out their forces from the area. During the requests for the blockade's end, Roosevelt stationed naval forces in [[Republic of Cuba (1902–1959)|Cuba]], to ensure "the respect of Monroe doctrine" and the compliance of the parties in question.<ref name="Barck" /> The doctrine was never ratified by the senate or brought up for a vote to the American public. Roosevelt's declaration was the first of many presidential decrees in the 20th century that were never ratified.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Burns|first1=James MacGregor|last2=Dunn|first2=Susan|title=The Three Roosevelts|date=2001|publisher=Atlantic Monthly Press|isbn=0871137801|pages=[https://archive.org/details/threerooseveltsp00burn/page/76 76–77]|edition=1st|url=https://archive.org/details/threerooseveltsp00burn/page/76}}</ref>

==== Canal diplomacy ====
The U.S. used the "big stick" during "Canal Diplomacy", the diplomatic actions of the U.S. during the pursuit of a canal across Central America. Both [[Nicaragua]] and [[Panama]] featured canal related incidents of big stick diplomacy.<ref name="Conniff">{{Harvnb|Conniff|2001|p=63}}</ref>

===== Proposed construction of the Nicaragua Canal =====
{{Main|Nicaragua Canal}}

In 1901, Secretary of State [[John Hay]] pressed the Nicaraguan Government for approval of a canal. Nicaragua would receive $1.5&nbsp;million in ratification, $100,000 annually, and the U.S. would "provide sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity".<ref name="Berman">{{Harvnb|Berman|1986|p=149}}</ref> Nicaragua then returned the contract draft with a change; they wished to receive, instead of an annual $100,000, $6&nbsp;million in ratification. The U.S. accepted the deal, but, after [[United States Congress|Congress]] approved the contract, a problem of court jurisdiction came up. The U.S. did not have legal jurisdiction in the land of the future canal. This problem was on the verge of correction until pro-Panama representatives posed problems for Nicaragua; the current leader ([[José Santos Zelaya|General José Santos Zelaya]]) did not cause problems, from the outlook of U.S. interests.<ref name="Berman" />

===== Construction of the Panama Canal =====
{{Main|History of the Panama Canal}}
In 1899, the [[Isthmian Canal Commission of 1899|Isthmian Canal Commission]] was set up to determine which site would be best for the canal (Nicaragua or Panama) and then to oversee construction of the canal.<ref name="WebDocPAN-HISTORY">{{cite web| title = The Panama Canal: History| website = eclipse.co.uk| date = December 30, 1999| url = http://www.eclipse.co.uk/~sl5763/panama.htm| access-date = August 20, 2008| archive-date = May 15, 2008| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080515050735/http://www.eclipse.co.uk/~sl5763/panama.htm| url-status = dead}}</ref> After Nicaragua was ruled out, Panama was the obvious choice. A few problems had arisen, however. With the U.S.'s solidified interests in Panama (then a small portion of [[Colombia]]), both Colombia and the French company that was to provide the construction materials raised their prices. The U.S., refusing to pay the higher-than-expected fees, "engineered a revolution" in Colombia.<ref name="Zinn1">{{Harvnb|Zinn|1999|p=408}}</ref><ref name="Davis2">{{Harvnb|Davis|1990|pp=224–227}}</ref><ref name="UncleSam1">{{Harvnb|Bishop|1913|p=23}}</ref> On November 3, 1903, Panama (with the support of the [[United States Navy]]) revolted against Colombia. Panama became a new republic, receiving $10&nbsp;million from the U.S. alone. Panama also gained an annual payment of $250,000 and guarantees of independence.<ref name="Davis2" /> The U.S. gained the rights to the [[Panama Canal Zone|canal strip]] "in perpetuity". Roosevelt later said that he "took the Canal, and let Congress debate".<ref name="Davis2" /> After Colombia lost Panama, they tried to appeal to the U.S. by the [[Separation of Panama from Colombia#Reactions|reconsidering of treaties]] and even naming [[Panama City]] the capital of Colombia.<ref name="Reaction1">{{cite web| last = Vargas| first = Diego Uribe| title = Capitulo XIV: Memorial de Agravios | publisher = Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango| date = January 12, 2007| url = http://www.banrepcultural.org/blaavirtual/historia/canal/can13.htm | access-date = August 21, 2008|language=es}}</ref>

==== Cuba ====
{{Main|Teller Amendment|Platt Amendment}}
The U.S. after the [[Spanish–American War]] had many [[expansionism|expansionists]] who wanted to [[annexation|annex]] [[Cuba]]. Many people felt that a foreign power (outside of the U.S.) would control a portion of Cuba, thus the U.S. could not continue with its interests in Cuba.<ref name="Bailey" /> Although many advocated annexation, this was prevented by the [[Teller Amendment]], which states "hereby disclaims any disposition of intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over said island except for pacification thereof, and asserts its determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government and control of the island to its people". When summarized, this could mean that the U.S. would not interfere with Cuba and its peoples. The expansionists argued that the Teller Amendment was created "ignorant of actual conditions", which released the U.S. from its obligation.<ref name="Bailey" /> Following the debate surrounding the Teller Amendment, the [[Platt Amendment]] took effect. The Platt Amendment (the name is a misnomer; the Platt Amendment is actually a [[Rider (legislation)|rider]] to the Army Appropriation Act of 1901) was accepted by Cuba in late 1901, after "strong pressure" from [[Washington, D.C.|Washington]].<ref name="Bailey" /> The Platt Amendment, summarized by [[Thomas A. Bailey]] in "Diplomatic History of the American People":

# Cuba was not to make decisions impairing her independence or to permit a foreign power [e.g., Germany] to secure lodgment in control over the island.
# Cuba pledged herself not to incur an indebtedness beyond her means [It might result in foreign intervention].
# The United States was at liberty to intervene for the purpose of preserving order and maintaining Cuban independence.
# Cuba would agree to an American-sponsored sanitation program [Aimed largely at yellow fever].
# Cuba would agree to sell or lease to the United States sites for naval or coaling stations [Guantánamo became the principal base].<ref name="Bailey" />

With the Platt Amendment in place, Roosevelt pulled the troops out of Cuba. A year later, Roosevelt wrote:
{{quote|Just at the moment I am so angry with that infernal little Cuban republic that I would like to wipe its people off the face of the earth. All that we wanted from them was that they would behave themselves and be prosperous and happy so that we would not have to interfere.|Theodore Roosevelt<ref>''[[New York Times]]'' article, May 19 1963: https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/19/archives/is-castro-an-obsession-with-us-a-senator-says-emphatically-yesand.html</ref>}}

== See also ==
{{Sister project links|wikt=speak softly and carry a big stick |q=Theodore Roosevelt|b=no |n=no |s=Author:Theodore Roosevelt |v=no}}
*[[Pax Americana]]
*[[Peace through strength]]
*[[History of U.S. foreign policy, 1897–1913]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== References ==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*{{Citation|last= Bailey|first= Thomas A.|title= A Diplomatic History of the American People |edition=10th |year= 1980|publisher= Prentice Hall|isbn= 0-13-214726-2|url= https://archive.org/details/diplomatichisto100bail}}
*{{Citation |last= Barck |first= Oscar Theodore Jr.|title= Since 1900 |year= 1974 |publisher= MacMilliam Publishing Co., Inc. |isbn= 0-02-305930-3}}
*{{Citation |last= Beale|first= Howard K. |title =Theodore Roosevelt and the Rise of America to World Power |year= 1957 |publisher= [[Johns Hopkins Press]] }}
*{{Citation |last= Berman |first= Karl |title= Under the Big Stick: Nicaragua and the United States Since 1848 |publisher= South End Press |year= 1986 }}
*{{Citation |last= Bishop |first= Joseph Bucklin |title= Uncle Sam's Panama Canal and World History, Accompanying the Panama Canal Flat-globe: Its Achievement an Honor to the United States and a Blessing to the World |publisher= Pub. by J. Wanamaker expressly for the [[World Syndicate Company]] | year= 1913 }}
*{{Citation |last=Conniff|first= Michael L. |title= Panama and the United States: The Forced Alliance|year= 2001 |publisher= [[University of Georgia Press]] |isbn= 0-8203-2348-9}}
*{{Citation |last= Davis|first= Kenneth C. |title =Don't Know Much About History |year= 1990 |publisher= Avon Books |isbn= 0-380-71252-0}}
*{{Citation |last= Gould |first= Lewis L. |title= The Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt |publisher= [[University Press of Kansas]] |year= 1991 |isbn= 978-0-7006-0565-1}}
*{{Citation |last= Hershey|first= A.S. |title= The Venezuelan Affair in the Light of International Law|year= 1903 |publisher= [[University of Michigan Press]] }}
*{{Citation |last= LaFeber |first= Walter |title= A Cambridge History of American Foreign Relations: The American Search for Opportunity. 1865–1913 |year= 1993 |publisher= [[Cambridge University Press]] |isbn= 0-521-38185-1 |url-access= registration |url= https://archive.org/details/creationofrepubl00brad }}
*{{Citation |last=Perkins|first=Dexter |title= The Monroe Doctrine, 1867–1907 |year= 1937 |publisher= Baltimore Press }}
*{{Citation |last= Roosevelt |first= Theodore |title= Theodore Roosevelt: An Autobiography |journal= Nature |volume= 93 |issue= 2317 |pages= 79–80 |publisher= The Macmillan Press Company |year= 1913 |bibcode= 1914Natur..93...79J |doi= 10.1038/093079a0 |s2cid= 3988514 }}
*{{Citation | last = Zinn | first = Howard | title = A People's History of the United States | publisher = Harper Perennial | year = 1999 | isbn = 0-06-083865-5 | url = https://archive.org/details/peopleshistoryof00zinn_0 }}
{{div col end|2}}

== External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081123103226/http://www.mtholyoke.edu/~jlgarner/classweb/worldpolitics/bigstick.html A site about Big Stick Ideology]
* [http://www.theodoreroosevelt.org/life/RooseveltCorollary.htm Information about the political aspects of the Big Stick]

{{United States intervention in Latin America}}
{{Theodore Roosevelt}}
{{US history}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Big Stick Ideology}}
[[Category:Hegemony]]
[[Category:American political catchphrases]]
[[Category:Imperialism]]
[[Category:Banana Wars]]
[[Category:Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt]]
[[Category:Foreign policy doctrines of the United States]]
[[Category:Metaphors referring to objects]]
[[Category:Military diplomacy]]
[[Category:History of United States expansionism]]
[[Category:Monroe Doctrine]]