John Foster Dulles
Full Name and Common Aliases
John Foster Dulles
Birth and Death Dates
February 25, 1888 – May 24, 1959
Nationality and Profession(s)
American; Politician, Lawyer, Diplomat
Early Life and Background
John Foster Dulles was born on February 25, 1888, in Watertown, New York. He came from a prominent family with strong ties to politics and diplomacy. His father, Allen Macy Dulles, was a Presbyterian minister who served as a chaplain in the Union Army during the American Civil War. John Foster's mother, Edith Foster, was a daughter of a successful lawyer.
Dulles spent his early years in Watertown, where he developed an interest in law and politics at a young age. He attended the prestigious Princeton University, graduating in 1908 with honors. After completing his undergraduate studies, Dulles went on to study law at the same institution, earning his degree from Princeton Law School in 1911.
Major Accomplishments
Dulles's illustrious career spanned multiple fields and continents. He began as a lawyer, working for several prominent firms before entering politics in the 1920s. Dulles served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1914 to 1915 and later as a U.S. Senator from New York from 1949 until his resignation in 1959.
One of Dulles's most significant accomplishments was his role in shaping American foreign policy during World War II. As Assistant Secretary of State for the Far East, he played a crucial part in negotiating with Japan to end the war. After the conflict, Dulles continued to serve as a key advisor on international relations and worked closely with President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Notable Works or Actions
Dulles's diplomatic efforts during World War II laid the groundwork for his later role as Secretary of State under President Eisenhower. As the 52nd U.S. Secretary of State, Dulles continued to play a pivotal part in shaping American foreign policy, particularly with regards to the Cold War.
Some notable actions and decisions made by Dulles include:
Playing a crucial role in negotiating the 1941 Atlantic Charter
Serving as a key advisor on the United Nations founding principles
Advocating for the creation of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
Supporting the policy of containment towards the Soviet Union
Impact and Legacy
John Foster Dulles's impact on American foreign policy is undeniable. His commitment to strengthening international alliances, promoting democratic values, and countering Soviet expansion helped shape the course of post-war global politics.
Dulles's work as Secretary of State, particularly during the early years of the Cold War, had far-reaching consequences for U.S.-Soviet relations and set the stage for subsequent American diplomatic efforts. His legacy also extends to his commitment to human rights and international cooperation, which continues to influence modern foreign policy discussions.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Dulles's quotes on politics, diplomacy, and international relations have become iconic in their own right. He is often cited for his insightful and thought-provoking perspectives, which continue to resonate with policymakers and scholars today.
Some of Dulles's most notable quotes include:
"The basic truth about the world today is that it consists of two main blocks, the communist and the non-communist."
"In a nuclear age, where one miscalculation can lead to catastrophe, diplomacy has become even more crucial than ever before."
Dulles's enduring influence on American foreign policy, combined with his thoughtful quotes on international relations, have cemented his place as one of the most significant figures in 20th-century politics. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of effective diplomacy and strategic leadership in shaping global events.
Quotes by John Foster Dulles
Once - many, many years ago - I thought I made a wrong decision. Of course, it turned out that I had been right all along. But I was wrong to have thought that I was wrong.
I wouldn't attach too much importance to these student riots. I remember when I was a student at the Sorbonne in Paris, I used to go out and riot occasionally.
A man's accomplishments in life are the cumulative effect of his attention to detail.
I wouldn’t attach too much importance to these student riots. I remember when I was a student at the Sorbonne in Paris, I used to go out and riot occasionally.
The Soviets sought not a place in the sun, but the sun itself. Their objective was the world. They would not tolerate compromise on goals, only on tactics.
Peace will never be won if men reserve for war their greatest efforts, Peace, too, requires well-directed and sustained sacrificial endeavor. Given that, we can, I believe, achieve the great goal of our foreign policy, that of enabling our people to enjoy in peace the blessings of liberty.
The United Nations represents not a final stage in the development of world order, but only a primitive stage. Therefore its primary task is to create the conditions which will make possible a more highly developed organization.
Local defense will always be important. But there is no local defense which alone will contain the mighty land power of the Communist world. Local defense must be reinforced by the further deterrent of massive retaliatory power.