In his remarks at the Minnesota State Fair on Sept. 2, 1901, Vice President Teddy Roosevelt gave his famous "speak softly but carry a big stick" speech. It mainly detailed his view of the proper federal approach toward foreign affairs—one that promoted quiet, resolute action rather than loud, disrespectful, and inflammatory rhetoric. But his remarks also outlined his vision for government involvement in domestic affairs.
Roosevelt was then a Republican, but the major parties have shifted ideologies over the years. At the time, many Republicans championed progressivism—a "square deal" that prioritized environmental protection, trust-busting, consumer safeguards and workers' rights measures that reduced power from what Roosevelt called "representatives of predatory wealth."
