Christian Herter Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Christian Herter


1st United States Trade Representative
In office December 10, 1962 – December 30, 1966
President	John F. Kennedy Lyndon B. Johnson
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	William M. Roth
53rd United States Secretary of State
In office April 22, 1959 – January 20, 1961
President	Dwight D. Eisenhower
Preceded by	John Foster Dulles
Succeeded by	Dean Rusk
20th United States Under Secretary of State
In office February 21, 1957 – April 22, 1959
President	Dwight D. Eisenhower
Preceded by	Herbert Hoover Jr.
Succeeded by	C. Douglas Dillon
59th Governor of Massachusetts
In office January 8, 1953 – January 3, 1957
Lieutenant	Sumner G. Whittier
Preceded by	Paul A. Dever
Succeeded by	Foster Furcolo
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 10th district
In office January 3, 1943 – January 3, 1953
Preceded by	George H. Tinkham
Succeeded by	Laurence Curtis
Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
In office 1939–1943
Preceded by	Horace T. Cahill
Succeeded by	Rudolph King
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 5th Suffolk district
In office 1931–1943
Preceded by	Henry Lee Shattuck
Succeeded by	Henry Lee Shattuck

Personal details
Born	Christian Archibald Herter (1895-03-28)March 28, 1895 Paris, France
Died	December 30, 1966(1966-12-30) (aged 71) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Resting place	Prospect Hill Cemetery
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Mary Pratt (m. 1917)
Education	Harvard University (BA) Columbia University
Signature

Christian Archibald Herter (born March 28, 1895 – died December 30, 1966) was an important American leader. He was a diplomat, which means he helped represent the United States in talks with other countries. He was also a Republican politician. Herter served as the 59th Governor of Massachusetts from 1953 to 1957. Later, he became the United States Secretary of State from 1959 to 1961. This job is like the country's top diplomat. During his time, he faced challenges with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Early Life & Family

Born in Paris, France

Christian Herter was born in Paris, France. His parents, Albert Herter and Adele McGinnis, were American artists living abroad. He went to school in Paris for a few years.

Moving to New York City

Later, his family moved to New York City. Christian attended the Browning School there. He then went to Harvard University and graduated in 1915. He also studied architecture and design at Columbia University.

Marriage and Children

In 1917, Herter married Mary Caroline Pratt. Her family was very wealthy. Her grandfather, Charles Pratt, was a famous businessman who helped start Standard Oil. Christian and Mary had three sons and one daughter. Their son, Christian A. Herter, Jr., also worked in international relations.

Starting His Diplomatic Career

Early Diplomatic Work

Christian Herter began his career in diplomacy. He worked at the American Embassy in Berlin, Germany. He was even briefly arrested in Mainz, Germany, because people thought he might be a spy!

Helping After World War I

After World War I, Herter was part of the U.S. team at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference. He helped write the rules for the Covenant of the League of Nations. This was an early international organization for peace. He also worked with Herbert Hoover to send food and help to people in Europe after the war.

Working for Herbert Hoover

When Herbert Hoover became United States Secretary of Commerce, Herter continued to work for him. Herter also helped create the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations in 1919. This group helps shape America's foreign policy.

Becoming a Politician

Christian Herter on the cover of Time magazine, August 17, 1953

Serving in Massachusetts

In 1930, Christian Herter was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He served there for 12 years. This was his first step into elected politics.

Joining the U.S. Congress

In 1942, Herter ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. He won and served in Congress from 1943 to 1953. He was known for his focus on foreign affairs.

Helping with the Marshall Plan

Herter led a special group called the Herter Committee in 1947. Their ideas helped create the Marshall Plan. This plan was a big program that sent money and aid to help European countries rebuild after World War II. He also supported President Harry S. Truman's Point Four Program, which gave technological help to poorer countries.

Governor of Massachusetts

After serving five terms in Congress, Herter decided to run for Governor of Massachusetts. In 1952, he won the election. He was re-elected in 1954. He chose not to run for a third term in 1956.

Secretary of State & Later Years

Top Diplomat for Eisenhower

In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Herter as the United States Under Secretary of State. This was a high-level diplomatic job. When the Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles, became very ill, Herter was appointed to take his place on April 22, 1959.

Challenges as Secretary of State

As Secretary of State, Herter faced many challenges. One big issue was the status of West Berlin during the Cold War. He also had tough talks with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. This included dealing with the Soviet Union shooting down a U-2 spy plane. Herter's calm approach fit well with President Eisenhower's style. He believed in talking things out, even when facing strong words from the Soviet Union.

After Leaving Office

After leaving office in 1961, Herter continued to work for the government. He was a special representative for trade negotiations. He worked for both President John F. Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson.

His Legacy

Christian Herter was known as an "internationalist." This means he strongly believed in improving relationships between the United States and other countries, especially in Europe. He died on December 30, 1966, at his home in Washington, D.C., at age 71. He is buried in Millis, Massachusetts.

Legacy and Honors

Founding SAIS

In 1943, Christian Herter helped start the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). This school, now part of Johns Hopkins University, trains people for careers in international relations.

Awards and Scholarships

The American Foreign Service Association created the Christian A. Herter Award in 1968. It honors diplomats who are brave enough to speak up and challenge old ways of thinking.
The World Affairs Council of Boston also has a Christian A. Herter Award. It celebrates people who have made important contributions to international relations.
The Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program helps high school students from difficult backgrounds go to college. Each year, 25 students receive money to help pay for their education.

Places Named After Him

Herter Park in the Brighton area of Boston, Massachusetts, is named in his honor.
A building at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is called "Herter Hall." It is used for teaching history and other subjects.

Christian Herter was the last Secretary of State who was born in the 1800s.

Books by Christian Herter

Christian Herter, Toward an Atlantic Community (1963)

Christian Herter facts for kids

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