Harry J. Anslinger

Harry J. Anslinger (1892–1975) was an American government official who served as the first Commissioner of the U.S. Treasury Department's Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN) from 1930 to 1962. He is best known for his campaign against marijuana during the early 20th century.

Early Life

Harry Jacob Anslinger was born on May 20, 1892, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He was the eighth of nine children born to Robert and Rosa Anslinger, immigrants from Germany and Switzerland, respectively.

Career

Anslinger began his career in law enforcement as an investigator for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He later worked for the United States Department of the Treasury as an intelligence agent, where he helped enforce the Prohibition laws of the 1920s.

In 1930, Anslinger was appointed as the first Commissioner of the newly formed Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN), a position he held for 32 years. During his tenure, he launched a nationwide campaign against marijuana, which he claimed was a dangerous and addictive drug that led to violent behavior.

Anslinger's anti-marijuana campaign played a significant role in the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which effectively criminalized the possession and sale of marijuana in the United States.

Legacy

Anslinger's policies and views on drug enforcement have been widely criticized. Critics argue that his anti-marijuana campaign was based on racial and cultural stereotypes rather than scientific evidence. Despite the controversy surrounding his tenure, Anslinger's influence on American drug policy continues to be felt today.

See Also

• War on Drugs
• Marihuana Tax Act of 1937
• Federal Bureau of Narcotics