, Minnesota, USA
1901 - September 2 – Vice President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt utters the famous phrase, "Speak softly and carry a big stick" at the Minnesota State Fair.

In 1901, on September 2nd, at the Minnesota State Fair, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt delivered a speech that would become one of the most famous phrases associated with American foreign policy. Roosevelt's speech emphasized the importance of diplomacy backed by military strength, encapsulated in the phrase "speak softly and carry a big stick." This phrase came to symbolize his approach to foreign affairs, advocating for a strong military as a means to deter aggression while maintaining a diplomatic stance.

The speech reflected Roosevelt's belief in the need for the United States to assert its power and influence on the global stage. It also highlighted his belief that negotiation and peaceful resolutions should always be pursued first, but that a strong military was necessary to support these efforts and ensure that the nation's interests were protected. This approach would later influence American foreign policy and become known as the "Big Stick Diplomacy," representing a significant shift in how the United States engaged with other nations.

September 2, 1901

Visit Minnesota, USA
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.