as second only to Niagara Falls in terms of the country's natural wonders (Dallek 35). A large degree of Roosevelt's popularity was due to the fact that he expressed, "often subconsciously, the wishes of the bulk of Americans" (Dallek 34). It was his contradictory combination of aggressive nationalism, moralism, promotion of peace and progress Roosevelt exhibited the qualities which dominated American thought about foreign policy (Dallek 34). Roosevelt's contradictory sense of preserving what is carried out in conjunction with an expansionist policy echoed Washington and Jefferson. As a leader of one of the world's great economic powers, Wilson was placed in quite a precarious position at the outset of World War I. Custom dictates that Roosevelt's administration be tagged as the era of the "Big Stick" while Wilson's has been dubbed "Missionary" (Dallek 62). Also contrasting were their rhetorical styles. Roosevelt tended to be speak with direct coarseness while Wilson was routinely seen measuring out his thoughts carefully. Although Roosevelt is more likely to be seen aligned with militaristic power, scrutiny of history indicates that Wilson relied upon it even more so (Dallek 63). This blending of a high moral tone and direct action reflects the founders' own values.
Dallek is very careful in his study of the sources of American foreign policy not to offer a reductionist policy. He argues that "the domestic preoccupations" have been more important in shaping its foreign policy than "external realities" (Dallek 283). What his observations underscore is that there exists an even greater need to scrutinize this rhetoric and its political intentions. Dallek reminds his readers that words incite people to action. Public discontent becomes expressed in those movements which most artfully express a group's growing dissatisfaction and even rage. Interest in political rhetoric can be appraised by group analysis of government ...