A PERSONAL VOICE JOSEPH BUCKLIN BISHOP “ No one could say when the sun went down what the condition of the Cut would be when [the sun] rose. For the work of months or even years might be blotted out by an avalanche of earth or the toppling over of a mountain of rock. It was a task to try men’s souls; but it was also one to kindle in them a joy of combat... and a faith in ultimate victory which no disaster could shake.” —quoted in The Impossible Dream: The Building of the Panama Canal Joseph Bucklin Bishop was a policy advisor for the building of the Panama Canal. He was also an author and neighbor of Teddy Roosevelt at Sagamore Hill.

Port Arthur Japanese dead at Tashihkiao In 1904 a war broke out between Japan and Russia over control of Korea. Similar to their actions 37 years later art Pearl Harbor, the Japanese made a surprise attack on the Russian fleet at Port Arthur. The Russians sent their Atlantic Fleet to Japan and that was defeated as well. The Japanese did not fare so well in land battles, however, and asked Teddy Roosevelt to negotiate peace. Roosevelt did so and the Russo-Japanese War ended. Japan gained control of Korea and half of Sakhalin Island. Russia had a ruined economy and had a revolution in 1905, but Teddy Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

WorkmenThe Galliard Cut Canal Zone As president, Teddy Roosevelt knew when to seize opportunities when they appeared. A good example is the Panama Canal. A French company had gone broke trying to build it so the U.S. picked up the effort. But rights to the canal were difficult to obtain from Colombia who, at the time, owned all of Panama. Roosevelt aided a Panamanian revolt and immediately recognized the new “independent” state of Panama. Soon the Canal was being built, a huge undertaking. The canal was finished in the summer of 1914, just in time for the beginning of First World War. The Panama Canal has great strategic and business value, and Teddy Roosevelt is responsible for its creation.

Roosevelt liked to quote an African proverb, “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” He was not afraid to show the European nations that the U.S. was not afraid to use military force if negotiations failed. Such is the case with the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. He guaranteed that European banks could be repaid their loans to Latin America. Instead of the European power invading the country, the U.S. would do that and keep a share of the returns. Above left he is shown as the world’s policeman and above right he is leading the Great White Fleet around the Caribbean to show his strength.

William Howard Taft continued Roosevelt’s interventionist approach to foreign policy with “Dollar Diplomacy.” To maintain control of Latin American countries Loans would be made and guaranteed by the U.S. government. Non-payment would result in military intervention. This policy continued until the 1930’s, when Franklin Roosevelt instituted the “Good Neighbor” policy.

DiazMaderaHuerta Wilson Missionary Diplomacy was the policy that the U.S. should not recognize countries in Latin America who were brutal to their own people or unfriendly to American business interests. This policy came to a head during the Mexican Revolution. The revolution began 1911, and soon Francisco Madera had overthrown dictator Porfirio Diaz. In 1913 General Victoriano Huerta had Madera killed and took control of the country. After an incident involving U.S. sailors in 1914, President Wilson ordered the occupation of Veracruz. By 1915 Huerta was overthrown and a new president, Venustiano Carranza, seized power. He was pro-business so Wilson recognized his government…

Pancho Villa 1916: Columbus, New Mexico The Mexican Revolution was far from over. Carranza had opponents in Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata. Villa became angry at the U.S. and invaded the town of Columbus, New Mexico. President Wilson responded by invading Mexico, with troops led by General John J. Pershing, to capture Villa. The expedition failed but it was good practice for the Army. They would begin preparation for the First World War a year later. Pershing Carranza

“Mr. B, that was simply the best!” “Well, good. It’s time for a test.”