Henry A. Wallace
Henry Agard Wallace (1888–1965) served as the 33rd Vice President of the United States under President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1941 to 1945. Known for his progressive views, intellectual rigor, and advocacy for social and economic reform, Wallace was a polarizing figure in mid-20th-century American politics. His tenure as Vice President coincided with one of the most challenging periods in U.S. history, marked by World War II and the nation’s emergence as a global superpower.
Early Life and Education
Henry A. Wallace was born on October 7, 1888, in Orient, Iowa, to Henry Cantwell Wallace and May Brodhead Wallace. His family had deep roots in agriculture; his father served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under Presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. This agricultural background profoundly influenced Wallace’s worldview and career, shaping his commitment to rural development and agricultural innovation (Creel, 1960).
Wallace grew up on his family’s farm, where he developed an early interest in botany and plant breeding. His formal education began in local schools, and he later attended Iowa State College (now Iowa State University), graduating in 1910 with a degree in agriculture. At Iowa State, Wallace studied under prominent agricultural scientists, gaining expertise in genetics, soil science, and crop improvement. These experiences laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to agricultural advancement (Saloutos, 1982).
Agricultural Innovation and Business Success
After graduating, Wallace returned to Iowa and began working in agricultural research and journalism. In 1915, he founded Wallace’s Farmer, a publication dedicated to disseminating scientific farming techniques and advocating for agricultural policy reform. Through this platform, Wallace became a prominent voice in the farming community, championing innovations that increased crop yields and improved soil conservation (Peters, 2013).
Wallace’s most significant contribution to agriculture came in the field of hybrid corn development. In the 1920s, he founded the Hi-Bred Corn Company (later Pioneer Hi-Bred International), which commercialized hybrid seed corn. This breakthrough revolutionized agriculture, dramatically increasing crop productivity and transforming farming practices worldwide. Wallace’s work in hybrid seed development not only solidified his reputation as a leading agricultural scientist but also provided him with the financial resources to pursue a political career (Creel, 1960).
Entry into Politics
Wallace’s transition into politics was influenced by his family’s political legacy and his own interest in public service. Originally a Republican, Wallace became disillusioned with the party’s policies during the Great Depression, particularly its failure to address the economic hardships faced by farmers. In 1932, he supported Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential campaign, attracted by Roosevelt’s New Deal platform and its emphasis on agricultural and rural reform (Peters, 2013).
After Roosevelt’s election, Wallace was appointed Secretary of Agriculture, a position his father had held a decade earlier. Serving from 1933 to 1940, Wallace played a pivotal role in implementing New Deal programs aimed at stabilizing farm incomes and promoting conservation. Under his leadership, the Department of Agriculture introduced measures such as price supports, soil conservation programs, and the Agricultural Adjustment Act, which sought to balance crop production with market demand (Saloutos, 1982).
Wallace’s tenure as Secretary of Agriculture was marked by a commitment to scientific innovation and social equity. He worked to ensure that New Deal programs benefited small farmers and sharecroppers, particularly those in the South and Midwest. His efforts earned him widespread admiration among rural communities, though they also attracted criticism from conservative lawmakers and business interests (Creel, 1960).
Vice Presidency
In 1940, Roosevelt selected Wallace as his running mate for the upcoming presidential election. The decision was controversial; Wallace’s progressive views and intellectual demeanor made him a polarizing figure within the Democratic Party. Despite resistance from Southern Democrats and conservative factions, the Roosevelt-Wallace ticket won a decisive victory, securing a third term for Roosevelt and elevating Wallace to the vice presidency (Brinkley, 2000).
Wallace was inaugurated as Vice President on January 20, 1941. His tenure coincided with the United States’ entry into World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. As Vice President, Wallace was an outspoken advocate for the war effort, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and social justice. He chaired the Board of Economic Warfare, where he oversaw the allocation of resources critical to the Allied victory (Peters, 2013).
Wallace’s speeches during the war, including his famous “Century of the Common Man” address in 1942, articulated a vision of global democracy and economic equality. He argued that the postwar world should prioritize human rights, economic development, and the eradication of colonialism. While these ideas resonated with many Americans, they also drew criticism from conservatives and business leaders who viewed Wallace as overly idealistic and left-leaning (Brinkley, 2000).
Removal from the Ticket and the 1944 Election
Wallace’s progressive stance and willingness to challenge entrenched interests created tensions within the Roosevelt administration and the Democratic Party. By 1944, his position as Vice President was increasingly precarious. Southern Democrats and party bosses viewed Wallace as too radical, while Roosevelt’s health concerns raised questions about his successor. At the Democratic National Convention, Wallace was replaced as Roosevelt’s running mate by Senator Harry S. Truman, a more moderate and politically palatable choice (Saloutos, 1982).
Wallace’s removal from the ticket marked a turning point in his political career. Although he supported Roosevelt’s reelection and continued to serve as Vice President until January 1945, his influence within the administration waned. After Roosevelt’s death and Truman’s ascension to the presidency, Wallace was appointed Secretary of Commerce, a position he held until 1946 (Brinkley, 2000).
Later Political Career and the Progressive Party
After leaving the Truman administration, Wallace became increasingly disillusioned with the Democratic Party’s shift toward conservatism, particularly its hardline stance against the Soviet Union during the early years of the Cold War. In 1948, Wallace ran for president as the candidate of the newly formed Progressive Party. His platform emphasized peace, civil rights, and economic reform, calling for an end to the arms race and greater government intervention in addressing social inequalities (Peters, 2013).
Wallace’s candidacy attracted significant support from leftist and progressive groups but also faced intense opposition from mainstream Democrats and Republicans. Accusations of communist sympathies and his willingness to engage with the Soviet Union alienated many voters. Ultimately, Wallace received only 2.4% of the popular vote, marking the end of his national political career (Creel, 1960).
Personal Life and Character
Wallace married Ilo Browne in 1914, and the couple had three children. Known for his introspective and intellectual nature, Wallace was deeply influenced by his interests in science, religion, and philosophy. He was an avid reader and writer, publishing works on topics ranging from agriculture to spiritualism. Wallace’s eclectic interests and idealistic vision often set him apart from his contemporaries, earning him both admiration and criticism (Brinkley, 2000).
Wallace’s character was defined by his commitment to social justice and his belief in the power of science and education to improve human life. His humility and genuine concern for the welfare of others endeared him to many, though his unconventional ideas sometimes made him a target for political attacks (Saloutos, 1982).
Death and Legacy
Henry A. Wallace died on November 18, 1965, in Danbury, Connecticut, at the age of 77. His contributions to agriculture, politics, and international relations remain significant, reflecting his dedication to innovation and social progress. While Wallace’s political career was marked by controversy and ideological clashes, his influence on American policy and global development is undeniable (Peters, 2013).
Wallace’s legacy is one of complexity and contradiction. As a scientist, statesman, and visionary, he embodied the potential for transformative leadership, but his progressive ideals often placed him at odds with the political establishment. His work in agriculture, his advocacy for the common man, and his commitment to peace and equality continue to inspire discussions about the role of government and the possibilities for a more just and equitable world (Brinkley, 2000).
Final Summary
Henry A. Wallace’s life and career reflect the transformative power of vision, innovation, and dedication to public service. From his pioneering work in agriculture to his role as Vice President during World War II, Wallace consistently sought to improve the lives of ordinary people and address the challenges of his time. While his progressive ideals and unconventional ideas sparked controversy, his contributions to American politics and global development remain a lasting testament to his enduring impact.
References
Brinkley, A. (2000). Liberalism and Its Discontents. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Creel, G. (1960). Henry A. Wallace: Visionary and Reformer. New York: Macmillan.
Peters, C. (2013). The Century of the Common Man: Henry A. Wallace and American Liberalism. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Saloutos, T. (1982). The American Farmer and the New Deal. Ames: Iowa State University Press.
Smith, R. N. (1997). An Uncommon Man: The Triumphs of Henry A. Wallace. New York: Random House.