Adlai Stevenson III facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adlai Stevenson III
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Stevenson c. 1977
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| United States Senator from Illinois |
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| In office November 17, 1970 – January 3, 1981 |
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| Preceded by | Ralph Tyler Smith |
| Succeeded by | Alan J. Dixon |
| 63rd Treasurer of Illinois | |
| In office January 9, 1967 – November 17, 1970 |
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| Governor | Otto Kerner Jr. Samuel H. Shapiro Richard B. Ogilvie |
| Preceded by | William Scott |
| Succeeded by | Charles W. Woodford |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the at-large district |
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| In office January 13, 1965 – January 11, 1967 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Adlai Ewing Stevenson III
October 10, 1930 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | September 6, 2021 (aged 90) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations |
Solidarity (1986) |
| Spouse |
Nancy Anderson
(m. 1955) |
| Children | 4, including Adlai IV |
| Parents |
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| Relatives | Stevenson family |
| Education | Harvard University (AB, LLB) |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Service | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1952–1954 (active) 1954–1961 (reserve) |
| Rank | Captain |
| Wars | Korean War |
Adlai Ewing Stevenson III (October 10, 1930 – September 6, 2021) was an American lawyer and politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Stevenson represented the state of Illinois in the United States Senate from 1970 to 1981.
He came from a famous political family, the Stevenson family. Before becoming a Senator, he served in the Illinois House of Representatives. He was also the Illinois Treasurer, managing the state's money. Later, he tried to become governor of Illinois in 1982 and 1986 but was not successful.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Adlai Stevenson III was born in Chicago, Illinois. His father, Adlai Stevenson II, was also a well-known politician. He ran for president twice.
Adlai III went to schools in Massachusetts and England. He then studied at Harvard University. He earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1957.
Before his political career, Stevenson served in the United States Marine Corps. He was a lieutenant during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. He continued to serve in the Marine Reserves and became a captain. After leaving the military, he worked as a law clerk.
Early Political Career
State Politics
Illinois House of Representatives
In 1964, Stevenson was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. This is a group of lawmakers who create laws for the state of Illinois. He served there from 1965 to 1967. While in the state house, he was recognized as a "Best Legislator."
Treasurer of Illinois
In 1969, he was elected as the Treasurer of Illinois. As state treasurer, he was in charge of the state's money. He helped the state earn more money from its investments. He also managed to cut the budget each year.
United States Senate (1970–1981)
Elections
1970 Election
In 1970, Stevenson ran for a seat in the United States Senate. This was after the death of the previous Senator, Everett Dirksen. Stevenson won the election against Ralph Tyler Smith. He won by a good margin to fill the rest of Dirksen's term.
1974 Election
Stevenson ran for re-election in 1974. He faced Republican George Burditt. Stevenson won again by a very large number of votes.
Senate Work
As a Senator, Stevenson worked on several important committees. These included the Commerce Committee and the Banking Committee. He also chaired the first United States Senate Select Committee on Ethics. This committee helps make sure Senators follow good rules of conduct. He also led a special committee that helped reorganize how the Senate worked.
Key Actions as Senator
Stevenson became a Senator on November 17, 1970.
Vietnam War
Stevenson was against the Vietnam War. He spoke out against the war policies of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon. He also suggested ending all financial help to South Vietnam.
Laws He Helped Create
Stevenson helped write several important laws. These include the International Banking Act of 1978. This law helped manage international banks in the U.S. He also co-authored the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980. This law encouraged new technology and research. It helped connect government-funded research with private companies. He also worked on the Bayh–Dole Act, which helped universities and small businesses benefit from inventions made with government money.
He also led the first major study by Congress on terrorism. This led to a law aimed at fighting terrorism.
1976 Presidential Election
Presidential Interest
Some people encouraged Stevenson to run for president in 1976. However, he decided not to campaign.
Vice Presidential Finalist
Even though he didn't campaign, he was considered as a possible Vice President. This was at the Democratic National Convention in New York. However, Jimmy Carter chose Walter Mondale instead.
Retirement
Stevenson decided not to run for re-election in 1980. He returned to Illinois to work as a lawyer.
After the Senate
Running for Governor
Stevenson ran for governor of Illinois twice after leaving the Senate. He ran in 1982 and 1986. He lost both elections to James R. Thompson.
1982 Election
In 1982, the election was very close. The first vote count showed Stevenson winning. But the final count showed he lost by a tiny amount. He asked for a recount, but the court said no.
1986 Election
In 1986, some candidates he disagreed with won in the Democratic primary. Stevenson didn't want to be on the same ballot as them. So, he created a new party called the Illinois Solidarity Party. He ran for governor under this new party. Even with this unusual plan, he still won 40% of the votes.
Later Work
Business and Cultural Relations
After his time in the Senate, Stevenson worked a lot in business. He focused on building connections with countries in East Asia, like Japan and China. He was involved with investment companies.
Non-profit Organizations
He also held many roles in non-profit groups. He worked to improve relations between the U.S. and Japan, and the U.S. and China. He was also involved with the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council. He chaired the Adlai Stevenson Center on Democracy, which is at his family's historic home.
United Nations Proposal
In 2012, Stevenson supported the idea of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly (UNPA). This would be like a parliament for the United Nations.
Death
Adlai Stevenson III passed away on September 6, 2021, at age 90. He died from complications of Lewy body disease in Chicago.
Personal Life
Family
Adlai Stevenson III came from a very important political family. His great-grandfather, Adlai Stevenson I, was the Vice President of the United States. His grandfather, Lewis Stevenson, was Illinois Secretary of State. His father, Adlai Stevenson II, was governor of Illinois and a U.S. Ambassador.
Marriage and Children
Stevenson married Nancy Anderson in 1955. They had four children together. His son, Adlai Stevenson IV, is a business executive. Adlai III also had another son, Warwick, and two daughters, Lucy and Katherine. He had at least nine grandchildren.
Writings
Stevenson wrote a book called The Black Book. It shares American history and politics through the eyes of his family over five generations. It includes stories about his great-great-grandfather, Jesse W. Fell, who helped Abraham Lincoln.
Awards
Stevenson received several honors for his work:
- The Order of the Sacred Treasure from the government of Japan.
- He was an Honorary Professor at Renmin University in China.
- He was a Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
- He received the Order of Lincoln from the governor of Illinois in 1981.
