Final answer:
President Theodore Roosevelt's 'big stick' foreign policy was meant to establish a proactive American military presence that used the threat of force as a powerful deterrent to prevent conflicts and assert control, especially in the Western Hemisphere and Asia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roosevelt's "Big Stick" Foreign Policy
With his 'big stick' policy, President Theodore Roosevelt was attempting to accomplish a more proactive American role in world politics, especially to avoid conflicts and exert control by relying on the United States' military strength as a deterrent rather than engaging in overt warfare. Through this approach, Roosevelt conveyed leadership and determination as the U.S. assumed a role as an 'international police power', particularly in Latin America where he sought to prevent European intervention, which could undermine the Monroe Doctrine. Furthermore, he aimed to protect American interests abroad as seen in Asian policies, such as using the Great White Fleet to assert power and maintain the balance of power during the Russo-Japanese War.
The 'speak softly and carry a big stick' approach ensured that while the U.S. would avoid unnecessary conflicts, the notion of potential military action served as a significant leverage in foreign relations. Roosevelt’s policy depicted America's willingness to use its military clout as a 'big stick' to ensure compliance or cooperation without actual aggression. This strategy ultimately demonstrated Roosevelt's foreign policy effectiveness in maintaining peace and America’s strategic interests without the extensive use of force.