Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919), known as “Teddy” or “Old Roosevelt,” was the 26th President of the United States. In the early 1900s, he was the great president who projected America beyond the Americas, making the United States a dominant force in world affairs.

The Roosevelt family, of Dutch origin, had become wealthy merchants in 19th-century New York. Roosevelt was born in New York, loved animals and sports from childhood, and graduated from Harvard with a degree in law. He also authored works on history and naval power. After the death of his wife, he went to the western Dakotas, became a rancher for two years, and even served temporarily as a sheriff—earning him the nickname “Cowboy President.” Returning to New York, he became police commissioner at 37, reforming the police force, and at 39, he served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

In 1898, when the Spanish-American War broke out, Roosevelt resigned his Navy Department post to organize a volunteer regiment to fight in Cuba. He distinguished himself in battle and received awards. That same year, he was elected governor of New York at age 40. In 1900, he was elected Vice President of the United States.

When President William McKinley was assassinated in 1901, Roosevelt succeeded him as president at the age of 42, becoming the youngest president in U.S. history.

Mediating the Coal Strike

In 1902, a major coal miners’ strike threatened urban fuel supplies. Roosevelt called mine owners and labor leaders to the White House, reaching a compromise: the workday was reduced from ten to nine hours, and workers received a 10% pay raise, ending a strike that had lasted 163 days.

Construction of the Panama Canal

In 1902, Roosevelt negotiated a treaty with Colombia for the U.S. to purchase equipment for the Panama Canal project, originally abandoned by France in 1881. However, Colombia later demanded an additional $10 million and tried to exclude the French company, causing Roosevelt to grow frustrated with Colombia’s duplicity.

In 1903, Roosevelt decided to support Panama’s independence. The brief war lasted only a few hours; Colombian soldiers accepted bribes of $50 each and laid down their arms. On November 3, 1903, the Republic of Panama was established with a constitution drafted by the United States. Soon after, the U.S. signed a treaty with Panama, paying $10 million for the rights to construct and operate the canal. Construction began in 1904 and was completed in 1914.

The Panama Canal connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, shortening the sea route from New York to San Francisco by 14,000 kilometers, a milestone in global maritime history.