Progressive Movement Practice Exam

Which president was in office during the Panamanian revolt and the Russo-Japanese War?

1. William McKinley

2. Woodrow Wilson

3. Herbert Hoover

4. Theodore Roosevelt

The correct answer is: Theodore Roosevelt

The president in office during the Panamanian revolt and the Russo-Japanese War was Theodore Roosevelt. This is significant because Roosevelt's foreign policy was characterized by an assertive approach guided by the idea of "speak softly and carry a big stick." The Panamanian revolt occurred in 1903 when Panama separated from Colombia, and Roosevelt played a crucial role in supporting the revolution, which ultimately led to the construction of the Panama Canal—a monumental engineering feat that was of strategic importance for the United States. Regarding the Russo-Japanese War, which took place from 1904 to 1905, Roosevelt brokered the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905, ending the conflict between Russia and Japan. His successful mediation in this war earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906, marking him as the first sitting president to receive this honor. The context of these events highlights Roosevelt's influence on early 20th-century American foreign policy and demonstrates how his actions helped assert U.S. interests globally during this era. This period is essential for understanding the expansion of American influence and the shift in foreign relations during Roosevelt's presidency.