Arthur Schlesinger Jr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
|
|
|---|---|
Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. in the early 1960s
|
|
| Born | October 15, 1917 Columbus, Ohio |
| Died | February 28, 2007 (aged 89) Manhattan, New York |
| Occupation | Historian, writer |
| Nationality | American |
| Period | 1939–2006 |
| Subject | Politics, Social issues, History |
| Literary movement | American liberal theory |
Arthur Meier Schlesinger, Jr. (born October 15, 1917 – died February 28, 2007) was an American historian and social critic. A historian studies and writes about the past. A social critic shares ideas about society and its problems. He won the famous Pulitzer Prize for his books.
Schlesinger wrote a lot about liberalism in American politics. Liberalism is a political idea that supports individual rights and freedoms, and often government action to solve problems. He focused on leaders like Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy. He also worked as a special helper to President John F. Kennedy. He wrote a well-known book about Kennedy's time as president called A Thousand Days.
Contents
Arthur Schlesinger Jr.'s Role in the Bay of Pigs Invasion
Arthur Schlesinger Jr. was involved in important decisions during President Kennedy's time. One big event was the planned invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs.
Why Schlesinger Opposed the Invasion
When the United States was planning to invade Cuba, Schlesinger was one of only two people who thought it was a bad idea. The other person was William Fulbright. Even though he disagreed, Schlesinger didn't speak up loudly in meetings. He sent a private note to the president instead. He did this because he didn't want to make it harder for the president to get everyone to agree.
Schlesinger's Regret After the Invasion Failed
The invasion did not go well. After it failed, Schlesinger felt very bad that he hadn't spoken up more. He later wrote that he blamed himself for staying quiet. He explained that it was hard to speak out when everyone else seemed to agree. He wished he had done more than just ask a few quiet questions.
Schlesinger's Ideas and Contributions
Arthur Schlesinger Jr. shared many important ideas about American politics. He was known for his sharp mind and deep knowledge. He spent his life studying and explaining the history of liberalism.
What is the "Imperial Presidency"?
Schlesinger also made a term popular called the "imperial presidency". He used this term during the time of President Richard Nixon. He wrote a book called The Imperial Presidency. This term describes a president who has too much power, almost like an emperor or king. It suggests that the president's power has grown beyond what the U.S. Constitution intended.
Images for kids
-
Schlesinger watching flight of Mercury-Redstone 3 with President Kennedy, Vice President Johnson, Jackie Kennedy, and Admiral Arleigh Burke in the White House Office of the President's Secretary, May 5, 1961
-
Schlesinger in his NYC office, 1988
See also
In Spanish: Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. para niños
