"Henry Wallace was not much of a politician but he was a prophet. Politicians win or lose in the here and now, and if they win they enjoy their satisfaction in the present. Prophets often go to their graves torn by doubt and misgiving and by that worst of frustrations, not knowing. What a terrible torment, never to know, to die thinking perhaps you were wrong, but hoping that you would be vindicated by history. Henry Wallace has been vindicated by history.” [1]
- Richard Walton, 1976
- Richard Walton, 1976
Report Cards from Wallace's Adolescence
Wallace's report cards demonstrate his early academic excellence and underscore his strengths in history, language, and reading.
Diplomatic Letters Regarding Wallace's Visits to other Countries
"I feel that the visit of Vice President Wallace has had a distinct tendency to personalize, to make visible, and to intensify realization of the "Good Neighbor" policy and will prove of very real, and, I trust, lasting assistance to the Embassy and its work of bringing about continuing and still closer cooperation from the Government and people of Peru..." [2]
- Henry Norweb, Ambassador in Peru, 1943 |
These letters, written by and about Wallace, highlight the impact he made as a diplomat. They demonstrate his deep concern for understanding other cultures. He made profound impressions on the countries he visited, expressing interest in learning about their lifestyles and showing his commitment to ensure that the people of each country had everything they needed in order to live comfortably and healthily.
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Articles Written about Wallace's Career
"The evaluation of Henry Agard Wallace has been a continuing preoccupation of editorial writers and political analysts for the last fifteen years. He has been variously assayed as a harmless mystic, an inspired prophet, a ruthlessly practical politician and a dangerous radical. On only one verdict has there been universal agreement, by friends and enemies alike: that his is the most bafflingly complex personality in American public life today." [3] - Cabel Phillips, 1948 |
Articles discussing Wallace's controversial role in American politics.
Footnotes
[1] Richard Walton, Henry Wallace, Harry Truman, and the Cold War (New York: The Viking Press, 1976), 354-355.
[2] Henry Norweb to Cordell Hell, “Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, Volume V,” Office of the Historian, Department of State, April, 17 1943.
[3] Cabell Phillips, "That Baffling Personality, Mr. Wallace," New York Times, February 8, 1948, New York Times Archives.
Timeline Sources
Richard S. Kirkendall, “Wallace, Henry Agard.” American National Biography, Oxford University Press, February, 2000.
“Henry Agard Wallace, 33rd Vice President.” United States Senate, Accessed October 25, 2020. https://www.senate.gov/about/officers-staff/vice-president/VP_Henry_Wallace.htm
Henry A. Wallace (1941-1945).” Miller Center, University of Virginia, Accessed October 25, 2020. https://millercenter.org/president/fdroosevelt/essays/wallace-1941-vicepresident
[1] Richard Walton, Henry Wallace, Harry Truman, and the Cold War (New York: The Viking Press, 1976), 354-355.
[2] Henry Norweb to Cordell Hell, “Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, Volume V,” Office of the Historian, Department of State, April, 17 1943.
[3] Cabell Phillips, "That Baffling Personality, Mr. Wallace," New York Times, February 8, 1948, New York Times Archives.
Timeline Sources
Richard S. Kirkendall, “Wallace, Henry Agard.” American National Biography, Oxford University Press, February, 2000.
“Henry Agard Wallace, 33rd Vice President.” United States Senate, Accessed October 25, 2020. https://www.senate.gov/about/officers-staff/vice-president/VP_Henry_Wallace.htm
Henry A. Wallace (1941-1945).” Miller Center, University of Virginia, Accessed October 25, 2020. https://millercenter.org/president/fdroosevelt/essays/wallace-1941-vicepresident