U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward and his family are attacked at home by Lewis Powell.

The role of the United States Secretary of State is a cornerstone of American diplomacy, representing the nation on the global stage. This esteemed officer serves as the principal foreign policy advisor to the President of the United States and is the chief executive of the U.S. Department of State. In essence, the Secretary orchestrates the implementation of American foreign policy, ensuring that the nation's interests and values are upheld and advanced across the world.

Holding one of the highest ranks within the President's Cabinet, the Secretary of State is often considered the most senior Cabinet member. This prominence is further underscored by their position as the first Cabinet secretary in the U.S. presidential line of succession, a crucial detail that highlights the continuity and stability of American governance. Globally, the responsibilities of the U.S. Secretary of State are widely recognized as being analogous to those of a foreign minister or foreign secretary in other sovereign nations, leading diplomatic efforts and bilateral or multilateral negotiations.

The office itself was established in 1789, a foundational year for the nascent United States government. Its first distinguished office holder was none other than Thomas Jefferson, who later became the third President. The appointment process for this critical role is robust and democratic: the President of the United States nominates a candidate, who then undergoes a thorough confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. This committee scrutinizes the nominee's qualifications, policy views, and suitability for the post. Following this review, the nomination proceeds to the full United States Senate for a final vote, requiring a simple majority for confirmation.

Historically, the Secretary of State has consistently been regarded as one of the four most crucial Cabinet members, often grouped with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Defense, and the Attorney General. The immense importance of their respective departments, which collectively manage the nation's finances, defense, legal affairs, and international relations, solidifies their status as the "Big Four" in presidential administrations. Reflecting the profound responsibility and demanding nature of the position, the Secretary of State is classified as a Level I position in the Executive Schedule, commanding a significant salary (for example, US$221,400 as of January 2021).

As of early 2021, the current holder of this influential office is Antony Blinken. His confirmation by the Senate on January 26, 2021, by a vote of 78–22, marked the beginning of his tenure, during which he has actively shaped and executed American foreign policy on a multitude of global issues.

William Henry Seward: A Transformative Diplomat

Stepping back into a pivotal era of American history, William Henry Seward (May 16, 1801 – October 10, 1872) stands out as a towering figure whose political acumen and progressive views profoundly impacted the nation. Seward served with distinction as the United States Secretary of State from 1861 to 1869, navigating the country through the treacherous waters of the Civil War and its immediate aftermath. Prior to his federal service, his political career was equally illustrious, including terms as Governor of New York and as a United States Senator.

Early Life and Political Ascent

Born in 1801 in the picturesque village of Florida, nestled within Orange County, New York, Seward’s early life was shaped by his father’s profession as a farmer who also owned slaves—a complex backdrop that would later starkly contrast with Seward’s staunch abolitionist stance. Educated as a lawyer, he embarked on his professional journey by moving to Auburn, a town in Central New York, where his political ambitions soon blossomed.

Seward’s initial foray into elective office occurred in 1830 when he was elected to the New York State Senate as a member of the Anti-Mason Party, a relatively short-lived but impactful third party that emerged from a widespread anti-Masonic sentiment. Just four years later, his rising prominence led to his nomination as the gubernatorial candidate for the Whig Party, a major political force of the antebellum period. Although he narrowly missed success in that contest, Seward’s perseverance paid off, and he was triumphantly elected governor in 1838, securing a second two-year term in 1840.

During his tenure as governor, Seward demonstrated a progressive vision, particularly concerning civil rights. He signed into law several pieces of legislation that significantly advanced the rights and opportunities for Black residents in New York, a pioneering move for the time. Notably, he championed laws guaranteeing jury trials for fugitive slaves within the state, effectively creating a shield against their unlawful re-enslavement and protecting abolitionists who aided them. Beyond legislation, he actively used his executive power to intervene in cases where freed Black people faced the threat of being illegally enslaved in the Southern states, showcasing his unwavering commitment to justice.

The National Stage: Senate and Presidential Aspirations

After a successful period practicing law back in Auburn, Seward returned to public service on the national stage. In 1849, he was elected by the New York state legislature to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. It was in this federal role that Seward’s fervent opposition to the institution of slavery became most pronounced and, indeed, controversial. His powerful speeches and provocative words against slavery resonated deeply in the North but earned him widespread hatred and condemnation throughout the Southern states, further fueling the sectional tensions gripping the nation.

Re-elected to the Senate in 1855, Seward quickly aligned himself with the nascent Republican Party, which was rapidly forming around an anti-slavery platform. He swiftly became one of its most prominent and articulate leaders, shaping its early agenda and garnering significant national attention. As the crucial 1860 presidential election approached, Seward was widely considered the leading candidate for the Republican nomination, a testament to his influence and stature. However, a confluence of factors ultimately worked against his nomination: his uncompromising vocal opposition to slavery, which some considered too radical; his progressive support for immigrants and Catholics, a stance not universally popular; and his close association with the powerful political boss and influential editor, Thurlow Weed. These elements collectively paved the way for a less divisive figure, Abraham Lincoln, to secure the Republican presidential nomination.

Despite the profound disappointment of losing the nomination, Seward displayed remarkable statesmanship. He actively campaigned for Lincoln, demonstrating loyalty to his party and its cause. Following Lincoln's victory, the newly elected President, recognizing Seward's immense talent and experience, appointed him as his Secretary of State, a decision that would prove instrumental to the Union's survival.

Secretary of State: Civil War and Beyond

As Secretary of State under President Lincoln, Seward initially dedicated himself to preventing the secession of the Southern states, undertaking desperate diplomatic efforts to avert civil war. Once these efforts proved futile and the conflict began, he wholeheartedly committed his energies to the Union cause. His diplomatic genius was particularly evident in his firm stance against foreign intervention in the American Civil War. Through shrewd diplomacy and warnings, he successfully deterred major European powers, notably the United Kingdom and France, from formally recognizing the independence of the Confederate States—an intervention that could have dramatically altered the war’s outcome.

Tragically, Seward was also one of the intended targets of the coordinated 1865 assassination plot that claimed President Lincoln's life. On that fateful night, conspirator Lewis Powell brutally attacked Seward in his home, inflicting serious wounds. Miraculously, Seward survived the attack, a testament to his resilience. He continued to serve as Secretary of State through the tumultuous presidency of Andrew Johnson, Lincoln’s successor. During this period, Seward achieved one of his most enduring legacies: the negotiation and purchase of the vast Alaskan Territory from Russia in 1867. Initially derided by critics as "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox," this acquisition proved to be a geopolitical masterstroke, significantly expanding American territory and influence. Furthermore, he was a steadfast supporter of President Johnson during his impeachment proceedings, navigating the complex political landscape of Reconstruction. Carl Schurz, a contemporary and German-American statesman, eloquently described Seward as "one of those spirits who sometimes will go ahead of public opinion instead of tamely following its footprints," a fitting tribute to a man whose vision often extended beyond the prevailing sentiments of his time.

Frequently Asked Questions About the U.S. Secretary of State

What is the primary role of the U.S. Secretary of State?
The Secretary of State serves as the President's chief foreign policy advisor and is the head of the U.S. Department of State. Their primary role involves formulating, implementing, and representing American foreign policy globally, engaging in diplomacy, and negotiating treaties.
How is the Secretary of State appointed?
The President of the United States nominates a candidate for Secretary of State. This nominee then undergoes a confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and must ultimately be confirmed by a majority vote in the full United States Senate.
What is the significance of the Secretary of State in the presidential line of succession?
The Secretary of State holds a highly significant position as the first Cabinet secretary in the U.S. presidential line of succession. This means that if the President and Vice President, along with the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate, were all unable to serve, the Secretary of State would assume the presidency, ensuring governmental continuity.
Who was the first U.S. Secretary of State?
Thomas Jefferson, who later became the third President of the United States, was the very first U.S. Secretary of State, appointed in 1789.
What was William Henry Seward most famous for as Secretary of State?
As Secretary of State, William Henry Seward is most renowned for his astute diplomacy during the Civil War, which prevented foreign intervention, and for negotiating the Alaska Purchase from Russia in 1867. He also famously survived an assassination attempt during the same plot that killed President Lincoln.
What was "Seward's Folly"?
"Seward's Folly" was the derisive nickname initially given to the Alaska Purchase of 1867. Critics believed the acquisition of the vast, seemingly barren Alaskan Territory from Russia for $7.2 million was a foolish and wasteful expenditure. However, with time, its immense natural resources and strategic importance became evident, proving Seward's vision.