Howard K. Beale in his book, "Theodore Roosevelt and the Rise of America to World Power," (1957) gives a good insight into American foreign policy at the turn of the century and the role played by Theodore Roosevelt in the formulation of this policy. The author covers Roosevelt's feelings for various nations, his "personal diplomacy," and his insight into foreign affairs. The book is valuable for understanding Theodore Roosevelt and an era in American history. It is also valuable for the light it throws on the present.
The author is to be credited with a product based on considerable examination into Theodore Roosevelt' s papers, his associates, and official correspondence of the state Department. A firm foundation is thus presented for the author's conclusions.
IIoward Beale brings an experienced hand for writing such a book. He taught at the University of North Carolina, he was Fulbright professor in "Munich, and was professor of American history at the University of Wisconsin until his death in 1959. Other books he has written include: "The Critical Years: A Study of Andrew Johnson and reconstruction" and "Are American Teachers Free."
Beale includes a great deal of reference, but the book is written well. His organization is clear to follow. The story unfolds with a minimum of discontinuity. Background material and significances are a strong factor which increase the readers understanding. For example, when discussing the Venezuelan boundary dispute in the late nineteenth century, Beale states: "The sharpness of the Venezuelan crisis of the `90's and the quick recovery of mutual respect illustrate, however, the fundamental soundness of the "Anglo-American friendship that was developing."
The book is rich in quotes, and includes many details. Roosevelt' s views are well integrated and supported. An example of how the author covers background well, is given in his discussion on Morocco. This leads, the author says, "... to an understanding of the Algeciras Conference and Roosevelt's relation to it."
The third chapter (Roosevelt and the cementing of an Anglo-.American entent) is particularly well done. It shows that Theodore Roosevelt strongly aided improved Anglo-American relations and that he had strong feelings on the subject. "To understand Roosevelt's views on foreign policy it is essential to comprehend this belief of his in the oneness of the American and British interest and his conviction that in combination the Americans and the British could dominate the world - to the advantage of civilization." Britain was isolated on the continent and facing a serious war with the Boers in South Africa. Through Theodore Roosevelt however, Britain found a friend in the United States.
Theodore Roosevelt's approach to diplomacy is not only well presented, but interesting. The author states of Roosevelt that "He liked directness even in diplomacy. Protocol irked him." Roosevelt was responsible for changing the home of the president from the "Executive Mansion" to the "White House." The simpleness [sic] of the latter appealed to him. A further insight is Roosevelt's demand not to be called "Excellency." "Let them call me `The President,' or `Mr. President,' or `Sir,' but not a title to which I have no right (and one, incidentally, given to ever third rate German potentate or bureaucrat)."
Theodore Roosevelt's character today would be enough to cause admiration, but looking back (through such works as Howard Beale's) we can have admiration and respect. Theodore Roosevelt could only be part of an era.
Beale's purpose is to answer questions of history which might explain why the world was led to the present as it was. To do this the author focuses on Roosevelt: "The lectures are Roosevelt centered. No attempt has been made to narrate the history of foreign relations during his time except where he wss vitally concerned." The question then arises what role did Roosevelt play in the course of history? Beale holds Roosevelt responsible for subsequent disasters in world affairs by attributing vast power to Theodore Roosevelt. The ultimate question then seems to be whether things would he any better had Roosevelt taken slightly different action. No one can tell.
The author does not answer all the questions he presents, nor does he claim to have answered them all. But at least he has succeeded in coming nearer to finding answers. In doing this the author has achieved his purpose.
[Presented as originally written while a student at George Washington University. Diplomatic History 182, March 9, 1965. My grade was "C+"]
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