as president, roosevelt worked to make the u.s. a world power, one of the most powerful countries in the world. before, it had been the richest country in the world, but not a significant military power. roosevelt's foreign policy was described by an african proverb as "speak softly and carry a big stick", meaning you do not have to make war, but should give that impression if you are to be respected. he increased the size of the united states' navy and sent all of the ships across the world to demonstrate to other countries that the united states was strong and could fight if needs be.