Sargent Shriver
| Sargent Shriver 1961.jpg Shriver in 1961 | |
Robert Sargent Shriver Jr. (November 9, 1915 – January 18, 2011) was an American diplomat, politician, and activist. He is best known for his work as the first Director of the Peace Corps, serving from 1961 to 1966, and as the architect of the War on Poverty during the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Shriver was also the Democratic Party's vice-presidential candidate in the 1972 election.
Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]
Shriver was born in Westminster, Maryland, to Robert Sargent Shriver Sr. and Hilda Shriver. He attended Yale University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1938 and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Yale Law School in 1941.
Military Service[edit | edit source]
During World War II, Shriver served in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service.
Career[edit | edit source]
Peace Corps[edit | edit source]
Shriver was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as the first Director of the Peace Corps in 1961. Under his leadership, the Peace Corps grew rapidly and sent thousands of volunteers to developing countries around the world.
Office of Economic Opportunity[edit | edit source]
In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Shriver as the first Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity. In this role, Shriver was instrumental in launching programs such as Head Start, Job Corps, and Legal Services.
Ambassador to France[edit | edit source]
Shriver served as the United States Ambassador to France from 1968 to 1970. During his tenure, he worked to strengthen Franco-American relations.
1972 Vice-Presidential Campaign[edit | edit source]
In 1972, Shriver was selected as the vice-presidential running mate of George McGovern after Thomas Eagleton withdrew from the race. The McGovern-Shriver ticket was defeated by the incumbent President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew.
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
Shriver married Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of President John F. Kennedy, in 1953. They had five children: Robert III, Maria Shriver, Timothy, Mark, and Anthony.
Death[edit | edit source]
Shriver died on January 18, 2011, in Bethesda, Maryland, at the age of 95.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Shriver's legacy includes his contributions to the Peace Corps, the War on Poverty, and his efforts to promote social justice and public service.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
- Peace Corps
- Office of Economic Opportunity
- War on Poverty
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver
- John F. Kennedy
- Lyndon B. Johnson
- 1972 United States presidential election
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