Henry A. Wallace

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Henry Agard Wallace (October 7, 1888 – November 18, 1965) was an American politician, journalist, and agronomist who served as the 33rd Vice President of the United States from 1941 to 1945 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was also the 11th Secretary of Agriculture from 1933 to 1940 and the 10th Secretary of Commerce from 1945 to 1946. Wallace was a strong advocate for liberal policies, particularly in the areas of agriculture and foreign policy, and he played a key role in the New Deal administration.

Early Life and Education

Henry A. Wallace was born in Orient, Iowa, to Henry Cantwell Wallace and May Brodhead Wallace. His father would later serve as the Secretary of Agriculture under Presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. Wallace attended Iowa State College (now Iowa State University), where he graduated in 1910 with a degree in animal husbandry.

Career

Agriculture

Wallace's early career focused on agriculture. He was an editor for the family's publication, Wallaces' Farmer, where he advocated for scientific farming methods and crop diversification. His work in agriculture led to his appointment as Secretary of Agriculture by President Roosevelt in 1933. In this role, Wallace implemented New Deal policies aimed at aiding farmers during the Great Depression, including the Agricultural Adjustment Act.

Vice Presidency

In 1940, Wallace was selected as Roosevelt's running mate and was elected Vice President. During his tenure, he was known for his liberal stances and support for the New Deal policies. Wallace championed civil rights and was an early advocate for desegregation. His progressive views, however, often put him at odds with more conservative members of the Roosevelt administration.

Post-Vice Presidency

After failing to secure the nomination for the vice presidency in 1944, Wallace was appointed Secretary of Commerce by Roosevelt. He continued to advocate for liberal policies but was eventually dismissed by President Harry S. Truman in 1946 due to his opposition to Truman's Cold War policies.

In 1948, Wallace ran for president as the candidate of the Progressive Party, advocating for civil rights, universal government health insurance, and an end to the Cold War. However, his campaign was unsuccessful, and he returned to private life, focusing on agricultural research and writing.

Legacy

Henry A. Wallace is remembered for his contributions to American agriculture, his progressive political views, and his advocacy for peace and civil rights. His tenure as Vice President and his roles in the Roosevelt administration helped shape some of the key policies of the 20th century.

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