Changes

Root is best known for the "Root Reforms" that modernized the U.S. Army.  The short [[Spanish-American War]] of 1898 had demonstrated that more effective control over the department and bureaus was necessary. In 1903 Secretary Root sought to achieve this goal in a businesslike manner by appointing a chief of staff as general manager and a European-type general staff for planning.  When the United States entered World War I in 1917, the General Staff was able to respond with facts and plans; its experienced officers served with distinction in both Washington and France.  Other key reforms included modernization of the medical corps, new training procedures, upgrading West Point, and creating the office of commanding general.

Root is best known for the "Root Reforms" that modernized the U.S. Army.  The short [[Spanish-American War]] of 1898 had demonstrated that more effective control over the department and bureaus was necessary. In 1903 Secretary Root sought to achieve this goal in a businesslike manner by appointing a chief of staff as general manager and a European-type general staff for planning.  When the United States entered World War I in 1917, the General Staff was able to respond with facts and plans; its experienced officers served with distinction in both Washington and France.  Other key reforms included modernization of the medical corps, new training procedures, upgrading West Point, and creating the office of commanding general.

===Platt Amendment===

===Platt Amendment===

Root in 1901 designed the [[Platt Amendment]] which authorized intervention in Cuba if needed; General [[Leonard Wood]] helped Root. Senator Orville Platt's role was that of sponsoring the program in the Senate. The goal of the amendment was strategic - to keep Cuba peaceful and the Caribbean secure.  The Cuban desire for favorable commercial treatment led them to agree to the the Platt Amendment in 1903.  Roosevelt and Root emphasized the points of keeping order, paying obligations, and (as TR put it) acting "with decency in industrial and political matters." Dollar Diplomacy was the tactic by which settlement on the questions of naval bases, reciprocity, and the Permanent Treaty (embodying the Platt Amendment) was reached during 1903 and whereby the door to serious loan negotiations was opened.  

Root in 1901 designed the [[Platt Amendment]] which authorized intervention in Cuba if needed; General [[Leonard Wood]] helped Root. Senator Orville Platt's role was that of sponsoring the program in the Senate. The goal of the amendment was strategic - to keep Cuba peaceful and the Caribbean secure.  The Cuban desire for favorable commercial treatment led them to agree to the Platt Amendment in 1903.  Roosevelt and Root emphasized the points of keeping order, paying obligations, and (as TR put it) acting "with decency in industrial and political matters." Dollar Diplomacy was the tactic by which settlement on the questions of naval bases, reciprocity, and the Permanent Treaty (embodying the Platt Amendment) was reached during 1903 and whereby the door to serious loan negotiations was opened.  

Root served as Republican Senator from New York from 1909-1915.   

Root served as Republican Senator from New York from 1909-1915.