Member-only story

The Improbable Wendell Willkie: A Political Enigma

Ralph Turner

·6.7k Followers· Follow

Published in The Improbable Wendell Willkie: The Businessman Who Saved The Republican Party And His Country And Conceived A New World Order

4 min read · 3 weeks before

1.5k View Claps

89 Respond

Save

Listen

In the annals of American political history, the name Wendell Willkie stands out as a paradox. A self-proclaimed "damned isolationist" who became a staunch supporter of Allied victory in World War II, a corporate titan who railed against big business, a Republican who captured the imagination of Democrats and independents alike. Willkie's improbable journey from Wall Street lawyer to presidential nominee is a tale of ambition, idealism, and the transformative power of adversity.

The Improbable Wendell Willkie: The Businessman Who Saved the Republican Party and His Country, and Conceived a New World Order

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	38539 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	416 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Early Life and Career

Wendell Lewis Willkie was born on February 18, 1892, in Elwood, Indiana. His parents, Herman and Henrietta, were German immigrants who instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of Midwestern practicality. After graduating from high school, Willkie worked his way through Indiana University and the University of Michigan Law School.

After a brief stint as a prosecutor in Elwood, Willkie moved to New York City in 1929 and joined the Wall Street law firm of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft. His sharp mind and aggressive negotiating skills quickly earned him a reputation as a formidable attorney. By the late 1930s, Willkie had become one of the highest-paid lawyers in the country, representing major corporations such as General Motors and Radio Corporation of America.

Political Awakening

Despite his success in the business world, Willkie was increasingly troubled by the growing threat of fascism in Europe and the isolationist policies of the Roosevelt administration. In 1940, he published a book entitled "This Is Where I Stand," in which he argued for American intervention in the war and the establishment of a global democratic Free Download.

Willkie's views resonated with a growing number of Americans who were disillusioned with Roosevelt's handling of foreign policy. At the 1940 Republican National Convention, Willkie unexpectedly defeated a field of seasoned politicians to become the party's presidential nominee.

The 1940 Presidential Campaign

Willkie's campaign was a remarkable blend of idealism and populism. He pledged to defeat fascism abroad and to create a "New Deal for America" at home. His speeches were filled with soaring rhetoric and an optimistic vision for the future.

Although Willkie ultimately lost to Roosevelt in the election, his campaign had a profound impact on American politics. He helped to unify the Republican Party and to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional base. He also helped to raise the level of political discourse and to inspire a new generation of Americans to engage in public life.

Post-Election Career

After the election, Willkie remained an active participant in American politics and international affairs. He served as an advisor to Roosevelt and his successor, Harry Truman, on foreign policy matters. He also helped to found the Freedom House, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting democracy worldwide.

Willkie's sudden death in 1944, at the age of 52, cut short a promising political career. However, his legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans. He is remembered as a courageous leader, a visionary thinker, and a symbol of national unity in a time of great peril.

The improbable rise of Wendell Willkie is a reminder that in politics, anything is possible. With a combination of determination, idealism, and a touch of audacity, even the most unlikely candidates can make a lasting mark on history. Willkie's journey from corporate titan to political icon is a testament to the enduring power of the American dream.

The Improbable Wendell Willkie: The Businessman Who Saved the Republican Party and His Country, and Conceived a New World Order

4.4 out of 5