In the early 20th century, many Americans had little confidence in the presidency due to the former president's inability to work for the good of the people and a lack of confidence in the presidency. of responsibility and prowess in foreign affairs. Under President Theodore Roosevelt, all of these problems were reversed and America was stable at home and powerful abroad. Roosevelt's policy agenda was carried out, a hugely impressive feat that many other presidents failed to accomplish. By evaluating his domestic agenda, his foreign policy, and how he shaped the president's role in society, it becomes clear that Theodore Roosevelt was the most influential president of the 20th century. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayIn terms of domestic policy, Roosevelt had a very positive impact as he set the precedent of a strong president and enacted legislation that benefited all Americans. Roosevelt's domestic program, known as the Square Deal, revolved around the goal of achieving economic and social justice. Perhaps the most important element of Roosevelt's national program was his environmentalism. An example in which Roosevelt demonstrated his environmentalism was the creation of the US Forest Service. Before that, there was no government agency dedicated solely to preservation. As the first environmentalist president, Roosevelt created a model for future presidents who would pursue environmental reforms. Environmental legislation became more important as time progressed in American politics due to the efforts of Roosevelt. Another defining aspect of Roosevelt's Square Deal was its emphasis on fighting confidence. Roosevelt dramatically changed the relationship between big business and government during his presidency. His support of the Sherman Antitrust Act was revolutionary because at the time no other president had done anything similar. Although this law was considered a paper tiger, it ultimately led to the Clayton Antitrust Act, which placed massive restrictions on businesses. Roosevelt showed that he was serious about attacking the trusts by eliminating the JP Morgan trust, at the time the largest trust in America. As a result, big corporations were held responsible, which remains relevant in today's politics. Roosevelt also regulated business by supporting the Elkins and Hepburn Acts, both of which affected railroad companies. The Elkins Act prevented railroad companies from giving discounts to their largest customers, which benefited large companies. The Hepburn Act strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission, giving the agency the power to set maximum prices for railroads. This weakened the hold of big business on society and helped promote economic equality. In terms of foreign policy, Roosevelt asserted American dominance, a concept that previous presidents had not implemented. Perhaps Roosevelt's greatest foreign policy achievement was gaining access to the Panama Canal. After gaining access to the canal, trade increased significantly as transportation times decreased, making trade much more profitable. Acquiring the Panama Canal still has huge implications for the U.S. economy, as many shipping companies use it to move their products quickly.