Adlai Stevenson II

Date of Birth: February 5, 1900

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: July 14, 1965

Biography

Adlai Ewing Stevenson II was an influential American politician, diplomat, and lawyer, best known for his candidacies for the U.S. presidency in 1952 and 1956, representing the Democratic Party. Born into a prominent political family, Stevenson was the grandson of Vice President Adlai Stevenson I, which embedded him in a legacy of public service from an early age. Stevenson graduated from Princeton University in 1922 and earned his law degree from Northwestern University School of Law in 1926. He initially worked as a lawyer and later joined the public service sector, holding various positions in the federal government. His political career gained momentum when he became the Governor of Illinois in 1949, a role he held until 1953. As governor, he was known for his progressive reforms, particularly in education, infrastructure, and public welfare. Despite losing both presidential elections to Dwight D. Eisenhower, Stevenson remained a prominent figure in American politics. He later served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under President John F. Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson, where he was noted for his eloquent speeches and diplomatic skills, particularly during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

5 Interesting Facts about Adlai Stevenson II

1. Adlai Stevenson II was known for his oratory skills, earning him the nickname “The Man from Libertyville.”

2. He was instrumental in the establishment of the United Nations and was a key figure during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

3. Stevenson was a lifelong advocate for liberal causes, including civil rights, education, and world peace.

4. He was the first person to be nominated for the presidency by the Democratic Party two times consecutively without winning either election.

5. Despite his political losses, he remained a respected statesman and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1965.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Adlai Stevenson II

1. “Man does not live by words alone, despite the fact that sometimes he has to eat them.”

2. “We can chart our future clearly and wisely only when we know the path which has led to the present.”

3. “A free society is one where it is safe to be unpopular.”

4. “The time to stop a revolution is at the beginning, not the end.”

5. “Peace is the one condition of survival in this nuclear age.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Adlai Stevenson II’s highest net worth is not well-documented as he was primarily a public servant, but his legacy and contributions to public service remain invaluable.