The impact of public opinion on Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy
Theodore Roosevelt is considered by many historians to have been one of the most skilled practitioners of foreign policy in American history. But while he continues to draw ïżœ considerable interest from scholars, one facet of his diplomacy continues to be poorly understood: the impact of public opinion. There was a discernable evolution in his relationship with public opinion over the course of his tenure, even if many core ideas and practices were already present when he took office. The President was often discouraged by the state of public opinion. In his view, Congress was often a poor partner in conducting foreign policy; sensationalist newspapers had considerable influence; the ideas and policy preferences of many Eastern elites were usually ill-conceived; and the broader public's ignorance and apathy about international affairs were troublesome. But these concerns were balanced by other factors. He had a better working relationship with the Senate than he was willing to admit. He had more success in gaining favourable newspaper coverage than all but . a few Presidents. And he believed strongly in the American system of governance and had faith in the common sense of most of his countiymen. Given these
Thompson, John Mortimer
Public opinion--United States ; United States--Foreign relations--1901-1909
The impact of public opinion on Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy. Theodore Roosevelt is considered by many historians to have been one of the most skilled practitioners of foreign policy in American history. But while he continues to draw ïżœ considerable interest from scholars, one facet of his diplomacy continues to be poorly understood: the impact of public opinion. There was a discernable evolution in his relationship with public opinion over the course of his tenure, even if many core ideas and practices were already present when he took office. The President was often discouraged by the state of public opinion. In his view, Congress was often a poor partner in conducting foreign policy; sensationalist newspapers had considerable influence; the ideas and policy preferences of many Eastern elites were usually ill-conceived; and the broader public's ignorance and apathy about international affairs were troublesome. But these concerns were balanced by other factors. He had a better working relationship with the Senate than he was willing to admit. He had more success in gaining favourable newspaper coverage than all but . a few Presidents. And he believed strongly in the American system of governance and had faith in the common sense of most of his countiymen. Given these
impact public_opinion roosevelt foreign_policy roosevelt consider many historian skilled practitioner foreign_policy american history continue draw izoe considerable_interest scholar facet diplomacy continue poorly_understood impact public_opinion evolution relationship public_opinion course tenure even many core_idea practice already present take office president often discourage state public_opinion view congress often poor partner conduct foreign_policy newspaper considerable influence idea policy preference many eastern elites usually ill conceived broad public ignorance apathy international affair concern balance factor well work relationship senate willing admit success gain favourable newspaper_coverage believe strongly american system governance faith common_sense given