Alben W Barkley

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  Alben W Barkley

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  Alben W Barkley

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  Alben W Barkley

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  Alben W Barkley

• 

  Alben W Barkley

• 

  Alben W Barkley

• 

  Alben W Barkley

• 

  Alben W Barkley

• 

  Alben W Barkley

• 

  Alben W Barkley

• 

  Alben W Barkley

• 

  Alben W Barkley

Early Life and Education

Alben William Barkley was born on November 24, 1877, in a log cabin near Lowes, Kentucky. He was the eldest of eight children in a farming family. Barkley attended local schools and later enrolled at Marvin College in Clinton, Kentucky. He graduated in 1897 and went on to study law at the University of Virginia School of Law. After completing his legal education, Barkley was admitted to the bar in 1901 and began practicing law in Paducah, Kentucky.

Political Career

Early Political Involvement

Barkley's political career began in 1905 when he was elected as the prosecuting attorney for McCracken County, Kentucky. He served in this role until 1909. In 1911, he was elected as a judge of the McCracken County Court, a position he held until 1913.

U.S. House of Representatives

In 1912, Barkley was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat, representing Kentucky's 1st congressional district. He served in the House from 1913 to 1927. During his tenure, Barkley was known for his support of President Woodrow Wilson's policies, including the New Freedom domestic agenda and the League of Nations.

U.S. Senate

In 1926, Barkley was elected to the United States Senate, defeating incumbent Republican Richard P. Ernst. He served as a Senator from Kentucky from 1927 to 1949. Barkley quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. He was a strong supporter of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs and played a key role in their passage through Congress.

Senate Majority Leader

Barkley became the Senate Majority Leader in 1937, a position he held until 1947. As Majority Leader, he was instrumental in guiding New Deal legislation through the Senate. Barkley was known for his oratory skills and his ability to build consensus among his colleagues.

Vice Presidency

In 1948, Barkley was selected as the running mate for President Harry S. Truman in the presidential election. The Truman-Barkley ticket won the election, and Barkley served as the 35th Vice President of the United States from 1949 to 1953. As Vice President, Barkley was known for his humor and his ability to work effectively with both the executive and legislative branches of government.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving the vice presidency, Barkley returned to the Senate in 1955, serving until his death in 1956. He remained active in politics and continued to be a respected figure in the Democratic Party. Barkley's legacy is marked by his contributions to the New Deal, his leadership in the Senate, and his role as Vice President during a pivotal time in American history.

Related Pages

• Harry S. Truman
• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• New Deal
• United States Senate
• Vice President of the United States