Theodore Roosevelt was not only the 26th president, but also a "nature lover and conservationist (Whitehouse)." Theodore Roosevelt became president in 1901 after the assassination of William McKinley, and was re-elected in the 1904 election. Being one of the younger presidents to enter the Whitehouse, he brought "new excitement and power to the Presidency, as he vigorously led Congress and the American public toward progressive reforms and a strong foreign policy (Whitehouse)." Roosevelt enjoyed many successes and accomplishments while President of the United States. He negotiated with Colombia and Panama that allowed the United States to build the Panama Canal, and maintain control. During the initial planning stages of the Panama Canal, Roosevelt considered the different pros and cons of a lock canal system and a sea-level canal. He recorded his thoughts in his autobiography by saying, "Accordingly I recommended to Congress, on February 19, 1906, that a lock canal should be built, and my recommendation was adopted (An Autobiography)." Theodore Roosevelt also participated in a group of voluntary cavalrymen known as the "Rough Riders." Roosevelt comments on his journey to Cuba in his book entitled The Rough Riders, by saying, "However, by the late afternoon we had all our men, with what ammunition and provisions they could themselves carry, landed, and were ready for anything that might turn up (The Rough Riders)." Roosevelt also won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for his efforts in the Russo-Japanese War. He became the first United States President to win this award. Theodore Roosevelt dealt with foreign policy, subject to the proverb "Speak softly and carry a big stick... " He wanted foreign powers to see the strength of the U.S. without deliberately stating our strengths. In December 1907, Roosevelt sends the "Great White Fleet" on an around
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