• Biography

Henry L. Stimson was an American statesman and lawyer who served as Secretary of War under President William Howard Taft and Secretary of State under President Herbert Hoover. He was also the longest-serving Secretary of War in American history.

Early Life

Henry Lewis Stimson was born on September 21, 1867, in New York City. He was the son of Lewis Atterbury Stimson, a prominent lawyer, and his wife, the former Candace Thurber Wheeler. Stimson was educated at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, and graduated from Yale University in 1888. He then attended Harvard Law School, where he graduated in 1891.

Career

After graduating from Harvard, Stimson began his legal career in New York City. He was a partner in the law firm of Root and Clark from 1891 to 1893. He then joined the law firm of Elihu Root, where he worked until 1906. During this time, he also served as a special assistant to the U.S. Attorney General from 1895 to 1897.

In 1906, Stimson was appointed U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He served in this position until 1909, when he was appointed Secretary of War by President William Howard Taft. As Secretary of War, Stimson was responsible for overseeing the U.S. Army and Navy. He also served as a member of the National Security Council and the Council of National Defense.

In 1911, Stimson resigned from his position as Secretary of War and returned to private practice. He was then appointed Secretary of State by President Herbert Hoover in 1929. As Secretary of State, Stimson was responsible for overseeing the U.S. foreign policy. He also served as a member of the World Court and the League of Nations.

In 1933, Stimson resigned from his position as Secretary of State and returned to private practice. He then served as a special advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt on foreign policy matters. He also served as a member of the Advisory Committee on Military Affairs and the National Defense Advisory Commission.

Later Life

In 1945, Stimson retired from public service and returned to private practice. He then served as a consultant to the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission from 1947 to 1949. He also served as a member of the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission from 1949 to 1951.

Stimson died on October 20, 1950, in Huntington, New York. He was 83 years old.

Legacy

Henry L. Stimson is remembered as one of the most influential statesmen in American history. He was a key figure in the development of U.S. foreign policy and was instrumental in the establishment of the United Nations. He also played a major role in the development of the atomic bomb and the use of nuclear weapons during World War II.

Date modified: Apr 5, 2023
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