Roger Nash Baldwin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roger Nash Baldwin
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Roger N. Baldwin
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| 1st Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union | |
| In office 1917–1950 |
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| Succeeded by | Patrick Murphy Malin |
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| Born | January 21, 1884 Wellesley, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | August 26, 1981 (aged 97) Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
Roger Nash Baldwin (January 21, 1884 – August 26, 1981) was a very important person in American history. He helped start the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The ACLU is a group that works to protect the rights and freedoms of people in the United States. Roger Baldwin was the first leader of the ACLU and stayed in that role until 1950.
Under his leadership, the ACLU worked on many famous court cases. These included the Scopes Trial, the Sacco and Vanzetti case, and a challenge to allow the book Ulysses to be read in the U.S. Baldwin was also known as a pacifist, meaning he believed in solving problems peacefully, without war.
Contents
Roger Nash Baldwin's Story
Early Life and Education
Roger Baldwin was born in Wellesley, Massachusetts. His parents were Lucy Cushing (Nash) and Frank Fenno Baldwin. He went to Harvard University and earned two degrees there. After college, he moved to St. Louis.
In St. Louis, he taught sociology at Washington University in St. Louis. He also worked as a social worker. He became the chief probation officer for the St. Louis Juvenile Court. This court helps young people who have gotten into trouble. He also wrote a book about juvenile courts that became very well-known.
Fighting for Rights
Roger Baldwin was part of a group called the American Union Against Militarism (AUAM). This group did not want the United States to join World War I. When a law called the Selective Service Act of 1917 was passed, it meant young men had to sign up for the military draft. Baldwin wanted the AUAM to help people who, for their beliefs, refused to fight in the war. These people are called conscientious objectors.
So, in 1917, the AUAM created the Civil Liberties Bureau (CLB). Roger Baldwin was in charge of it. Later that year, the CLB became its own group, called the National Civil Liberties Bureau. Baldwin was still its leader. In 1920, this group changed its name to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Roger Baldwin was the ACLU's first executive director.
In 1918, Baldwin himself refused to join the military draft because he was a conscientious objector. He was sentenced to a year in prison for this.
Leading the ACLU
As the leader of the ACLU, Baldwin helped shape what the organization stood for. Under his guidance, the ACLU took on some of its most famous cases. The Scopes Trial was about teaching evolution in schools. The Sacco and Vanzetti case involved two men accused of a crime. The ACLU also fought to allow the book Ulysses to be published and read in the U.S.
Roger Baldwin retired from leading the ACLU in 1950. But he continued to work for human rights. He helped start another group called the International League for the Rights of Man. Today, this group is known as the International League for Human Rights.
While in St. Louis, Baldwin was influenced by the ideas of anarchist Emma Goldman. He also joined a labor union called the Industrial Workers of the World. Roger Baldwin helped provide money and support for many legal cases involving members of this union.
Changing Views
In 1927, Baldwin visited the Soviet Union and wrote a book about it. However, as he learned more about the government there, he became very disappointed. He realized that the government was not protecting people's freedoms. In 1953, he called it "A NEW SLAVERY." He spoke out against the "inhuman communist police state tyranny." In the 1940s, Baldwin even led an effort to remove Communist Party members from the ACLU.
Global Impact
In 1947, General Douglas MacArthur invited Baldwin to Japan. He wanted Baldwin to help Japan develop civil liberties, which are basic rights and freedoms for its citizens. In Japan, Baldwin helped create the Japan Civil Liberties Union. The Japanese government honored him with an award called the Order of the Rising Sun. In 1948, Germany and Austria also invited him to help them with similar goals. In 1951, he was recognized by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Later Years and Recognition
In 1968, Washington University in St. Louis gave Roger Baldwin an honorary degree. This was to recognize his important work.
On January 16, 1981, President Jimmy Carter gave Baldwin the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is one of the highest awards a civilian can receive in the United States.
Death and Legacy
Roger Baldwin passed away on August 26, 1981, in Ridgewood, New Jersey. He was 97 years old.
A documentary film about his life, called Traveling Hopefully, was made in 1982. Roger Baldwin's work continues to inspire people who fight for freedom and justice around the world.
See also
In Spanish: Roger Nash Baldwin para niños
- International Labor Defense
- Workers Defense Union
Works
Books and Pamphlets
- Civil Liberties and Industrial Conflict. (1938)
- The Rights of Man are Worth Defending. (1942)
- Democracy in Trade Unions: A Survey, with a Program of Action. (1943)
- Human Rights: World Declaration and American Practice (1950)
Articles
- "Liberalism and the United Front," (1941)
- "The Making of a Reformer: The Roger Baldwin Story: A Prejudiced Account by Himself," (2006)
Books Edited
- Peter Kropotkin, Revolutionary Pamphlets: A Collection of Writings. (1927)
