Born in 1890 in Sioux City, Iowa, Harry Hopkins grew up imbued with traditional Midwestern values of self-reliance, thrift, and pragmatism. At Grinnell College, he studied American politics and the British Parliamentary system. He began his career working for charitable organizations and from the start, Hopkins' own well-being took a back seat to his work. A colleague later described the chain-smoking Hopkins as "the ulcerous type; intense and driven by nervous energy." In 1928, Hopkins supported Democrat Franklin Roosevelt for the governorship of New York, and Roosevelt rewarded him three years later by naming Hopkins the head of the state's new Temporary Emergency Relief Administration. Hopkins subsequently supported Roosevelt's campaign for the presidency and his promise of a "New Deal" for Americans. Hopkins became head of FERA, the CWA, and the WPA and came to be regarded as the Chief Apostle of the New Deal. Roosevelt had other advisers, but he found Hopkins perfect company and liked to discuss important matters with him informally. Hopkins was unswervingly loyal to the president, who in turn often heeded his friend's advice on significant policy issues. Harry Hopkins went on to be recognized by world leaders like George Marshall, Churchill, Stalin, and others as having an important role in the success of Allied efforts in World War II.
Purpose: Learn about the life and career of Harry Hopkins - presidential adviser and confidante
Facilitator: Steve Vesce (Guest Presenter - West Bay Club) |
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