Frank Knox, American publisher and politician, 46th United States Secretary of the Navy (d. 1944)

William Franklin Knox (January 1, 1874 – April 28, 1944) was a prominent American politician, influential newspaper editor, and successful publisher whose career spanned significant periods of U.S. history, including two world wars and the Great Depression. A steadfast Republican, his distinguished public service culminated in his appointment as Secretary of the Navy during most of World War II under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat, underscoring a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation during a national crisis.

Early Life, Military Service, and Media Career

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Knox’s early life was marked by education and military service. He pursued his higher education at Alma College in Alma, Michigan. His commitment to public service manifested early when he volunteered to serve with Theodore Roosevelt's famed "Rough Riders" during the Spanish–American War in 1898, gaining firsthand experience in military operations.

Following his military tenure, Knox transitioned into the dynamic world of journalism, where he quickly rose through the ranks. He became a newspaper editor in Grand Rapids, Michigan, leveraging his platform to become a vocal and prominent supporter of the Republican Party. His journalistic career provided him with a powerful voice, which he consistently used to shape public opinion and advocate for his political beliefs.

A consistent advocate for American interventionism when he believed national interests or global stability were at stake, Knox strongly supported U.S. entrance into World War I. Demonstrating his commitment beyond advocacy, he again answered the call to duty, serving as an artillery officer in France during the conflict. This further solidified his reputation as a patriot willing to serve his country both in media and on the battlefield.

The 1936 Presidential Campaign

Knox's political career reached a national peak in 1936 when the Republican National Convention nominated him as the party's vice-presidential candidate, running alongside presidential nominee Alf Landon, then Governor of Kansas. The Landon-Knox ticket faced the formidable challenge of unseating the incumbent President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his running mate, John Nance Garner, amidst the popularity of Roosevelt's New Deal policies. In what was one of the most lopsided presidential elections in U.S. history, Roosevelt and Garner secured a landslide victory, defeating Landon and Knox by a significant margin. Despite the defeat, Knox's national prominence was firmly established.

Secretary of the Navy During World War II

As the international situation deteriorated and World War II erupted in Europe, Knox remained a staunch proponent of American preparedness and aid to the Allied powers. Recognizing his extensive experience, military background, and the need for national unity in the face of growing global conflict, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made a pivotal decision in 1940. In a remarkable demonstration of bipartisan cooperation, Roosevelt appointed the Republican William Franklin Knox as his Secretary of the Navy. This appointment was a strategic move aimed at solidifying broad political support for the administration's defense policies during a critical period of national emergency.

As Secretary of the Navy, Knox immediately took charge of a massive undertaking: presiding over an unprecedented naval buildup. This included the crucial implementation of the "Two-Ocean Navy Act" of 1940, which authorized the expansion of the U.S. fleet by 70% to meet the challenges of simultaneous naval operations in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. His leadership was instrumental in transforming the U.S. Navy into the formidable force that would be vital to Allied victory.

The Pearl Harbor Attack and Hitler's Speech

On December 7, 1941, one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history unfolded, and Knox was at its very heart. At approximately 1:30 p.m. EST, Secretary Knox, accompanied by his assistant John O’Keefe, entered President Roosevelt's White House study. It was Knox who delivered the grim and shocking news that Japan had launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This announcement profoundly impacted the nation, directly leading to America's entry into World War II.

The significance of Knox's role was even recognized by America's adversaries. Just four days later, on December 11, 1941, in a speech delivered to the Reichstag, Adolf Hitler notably mentioned William Franklin Knox by name as he formally requested a German declaration of war against the United States. This direct reference by Hitler underscored Knox's prominent position as a key figure in the American war effort and a symbol of the U.S. military power that Germany was now directly challenging.

Controversial Policy and Legacy

During his tenure as Secretary of the Navy, Knox also supported and pushed for the internment of Japanese Americans, a controversial policy implemented in the wake of the Pearl Harbor attack. This decision, driven by wartime hysteria and fear, led to the forced relocation and incarceration of over 120,000 individuals of Japanese descent, many of whom were U.S. citizens, without due process. This policy is now widely regarded as a grave violation of civil liberties and a stain on American history.

William Franklin Knox continued to serve as Secretary of the Navy with dedication throughout most of World War II, overseeing the expansion and deployment of the U.S. fleet, until his death in office on April 28, 1944. His career was a testament to a life devoted to public service, marked by military distinction, journalistic influence, and critical leadership during one of the nation's most challenging periods.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Franklin Knox

Who was William Franklin Knox?
William Franklin Knox was an American politician, newspaper editor, and publisher. He is best known for serving as Secretary of the Navy under President Franklin D. Roosevelt during most of World War II and as the Republican vice-presidential candidate in 1936.
What was William Franklin Knox's role during World War II?
During World War II, William Franklin Knox served as the U.S. Secretary of the Navy from 1940 until his death in 1944. He was instrumental in overseeing the massive expansion and modernization of the U.S. Navy, preparing it for a two-ocean war. He also famously announced the attack on Pearl Harbor to President Roosevelt.
Did William Franklin Knox serve in earlier wars?
Yes, William Franklin Knox served as a Rough Rider during the Spanish–American War in 1898 and later as an artillery officer in France during World War I.
What was the significance of William Franklin Knox's appointment as Secretary of the Navy?
His appointment by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat, was significant because Knox was a prominent Republican. This bipartisan appointment aimed to foster national unity and leverage his extensive experience and political standing during a critical period leading up to and during World War II.
What controversial policy did William Franklin Knox support?
As Secretary of the Navy, William Franklin Knox supported and advocated for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, a policy that is now widely condemned as a violation of civil liberties.