Final answer:
The saying, "speak softly and carry a big stick," refers to Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy approach. It means using diplomacy while maintaining a strong military presence to protect American interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The saying, "speak softly and carry a big stick," was used by Theodore Roosevelt in reference to American foreign policy. It means that the United States should use diplomacy and peaceful negotiations (speak softly) but also have a strong military presence (carry a big stick) to ensure its interests are protected. This approach allowed the United States to project power and assert its influence without resorting to military action.
Theodore Roosevelt's "speak softly and carry a big stick" statement symbolizes his foreign policy, which favored strong military readiness to support American diplomatic efforts without resorting to violence. It emphasized the U.S. role as an international police power in the Western Hemisphere and was evident in actions like the construction of the Panama Canal and the mediation of the Russo-Japanese War.