Townsend Harris
Townsend Harris
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Townsend Harris was an American lawyer, politician, and diplomat who served as the Commissioner of Education for the United States from 1867 to 1870.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: September 3, 1819, in New York City, NY
Died: December 26, 1889, in New York City, NY
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American, Lawyer, Politician, Diplomat
Townsend Harris was a prominent figure of his time, known for his dedication to education and his role in shaping the country's educational policies.
Early Life and Background
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Townsend Harris was born on September 3, 1819, in New York City. His family was of modest means, but they valued education highly. Harris's early life was marked by a strong interest in learning, which led him to pursue a career in law. He graduated from Columbia College (now known as Columbia University) and went on to study law at the office of a prominent lawyer.
Major Accomplishments
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As Commissioner of Education for the United States, Harris played a crucial role in shaping the country's educational policies. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Introducing compulsory education laws in several states
Establishing the Department of Education within the federal government
* Advocating for equal access to education for all citizens
Harris's work as Commissioner of Education had a lasting impact on the country, paving the way for future generations of educators and policymakers.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his work in government, Harris was also a prolific writer and published several articles and books on education. His most notable work is "The Treaty Relating to Commerce and Navigation Between the United States and Japan" (1858), which outlined the terms of the first commercial treaty between the two countries.
Impact and Legacy
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Townsend Harris's legacy extends far beyond his own time. He played a significant role in shaping the country's educational policies, advocating for equal access to education for all citizens. His work as Commissioner of Education laid the foundation for future generations of educators and policymakers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Townsend Harris is widely quoted or remembered for his dedication to education and his role in shaping the country's educational policies. His commitment to equal access to education for all citizens continues to inspire educators, policymakers, and individuals around the world today.
As a prominent figure of his time, Townsend Harris left an indelible mark on American history. His work as Commissioner of Education had a lasting impact on the country, paving the way for future generations of educators and policymakers.
Quotes by Townsend Harris
Townsend Harris's insights on:
Open the doors to all. Let the children of the rich and the poor take their seats together and know of no distinction save that of industry, good conduct, and intellect.
I replied that the customs of my country forbade any one to eat in a house where the host, or his representative, did not sit down to table with him.
If a man use opium once he cannot stop it, and it becomes a life-long habit to use opium; hence the English want to introduce it into Japan.
Two things are desired in order that intercourse may be had: First, that a minister or agent be allowed to reside at the capital. Second, that commerce between different countries be freely allowed.
The President wishes the Japanese to be very prudent about the introduction of opium, and if a treaty is made, he wishes that opium may be strictly prohibited.
Japan and China are isolated and without intercourse with other countries; hence the President directed me to attend to or watch the state of affairs in China also.
If you make a treaty first with the United States and settle the matter of the opium trade, England cannot change this, though she should desire to do so.
The United States have no possessions in the east and do not desire to have any, as other countries do.
If Japan had been near to either England or France, war would have broken out long ago.