Wendell Willkie

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Wendell Lewis Willkie (February 18, 1892 – October 8, 1944) was an American lawyer, corporate executive, and the 1940 Republican nominee for President of the United States. He is best known for his advocacy of internationalism and his opposition to the isolationist policies that were prevalent in the United States before World War II.

Early Life and Education

Willkie was born in Elwood, Indiana, to Herman Willkie, a German immigrant, and Henrietta Trisch. He attended Indiana University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1913. He later attended the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, graduating in 1916.

Legal and Business Career

After completing his education, Willkie practiced law in Akron, Ohio, and later moved to New York City to join the law firm of Chadbourne & Parke. He became a prominent corporate lawyer and eventually the president of the Commonwealth & Southern Corporation, a large utility holding company.

Political Career

Willkie was initially a member of the Democratic Party, but he switched to the Republican Party in the late 1930s. He gained national attention for his opposition to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a New Deal program that he believed unfairly competed with private enterprise.

1940 Presidential Election

In 1940, Willkie emerged as a dark horse candidate for the Republican nomination for President. He won the nomination on the sixth ballot at the 1940 Republican National Convention, defeating more established candidates such as Thomas E. Dewey and Robert A. Taft. In the general election, he ran against the incumbent, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was seeking an unprecedented third term. Willkie campaigned on a platform of preparedness and support for aid to the Allies in World War II, but he was ultimately defeated, receiving 44.8% of the popular vote to Roosevelt's 54.7%.

Post-Election Activities

After the election, Willkie continued to be an influential voice in American politics. He supported Roosevelt's foreign policy and advocated for the Lend-Lease program. In 1941, he published the book One World, which called for international cooperation and the establishment of a global organization to maintain peace.

Death and Legacy

Willkie died of a heart attack on October 8, 1944, in New York City. He is remembered for his contributions to the internationalist movement and his efforts to promote bipartisan cooperation during a critical period in American history.

Related Pages

• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• 1940 United States presidential election
• Republican Party (United States)
• Tennessee Valley Authority
• Lend-Lease
• Indiana University
• New York City