Deaths on January 29

Harry Hopkins, American businessman and politician, 8th United States Secretary of Commerce (b. 1890)

Harry Lloyd Hopkins (August 17, 1890 – January 29, 1946) was an exceptionally influential American statesman, a highly effective public administrator, and a pivotal presidential advisor who profoundly shaped domestic and foreign policy during a critical period in United States history. His career was marked by an unwavering dedication to public service and an unparalleled proximity to presidential power, particularly during the Great Depression and World War II.

As a trusted and indispensable deputy to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Hopkins played a central role in orchestrating the ambitious New Deal relief programs designed to combat the devastating effects of the Great Depression. His organizational prowess and deep understanding of social welfare made him an ideal candidate to lead these unprecedented initiatives. His influence extended beyond domestic policy, as he later served as the 8th United States Secretary of Commerce from 1938 to 1940, navigating economic challenges before the nation's full involvement in global conflict.

During World War II, Hopkins transcended his administrative roles to become Roosevelt's chief foreign policy advisor and an indispensable liaison to Allied leaders, cementing his legacy as a titan of wartime diplomacy.

Architect of the New Deal and America's Largest Employer

Hopkins's extraordinary ability to manage large-scale, complex programs was evident in his leadership of several key New Deal agencies. His vision and administrative acumen were critical in transforming government intervention into tangible relief and recovery efforts. He meticulously supervised:

• The New York Temporary Emergency Relief Administration (NY TERA): This early program, established in 1931, provided crucial direct relief and work programs for the unemployed in New York State. Hopkins's success in managing this agency, which involved distributing significant funds and coordinating relief efforts across the state, first brought him to the attention of then-New York Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA): Following Roosevelt's presidential victory in 1932, Hopkins was called to Washington to lead FERA. This agency provided federal grants to states for unemployment relief, often through innovative work-relief projects that put people back to work rather than simply offering handouts.
• The Civil Works Administration (CWA): A rapid, short-term work relief program launched in late 1933 under Hopkins's direction, the CWA quickly put millions of unemployed Americans to work on public projects, providing immediate economic relief during a harsh winter.
• The Works Progress Administration (WPA): Perhaps his most monumental achievement, Hopkins built the WPA into the largest employer in the United States, providing jobs for millions of jobless Americans on public works projects ranging from building roads and bridges to creating parks and public art. The WPA significantly reduced unemployment, stimulated the economy, and left a lasting physical and cultural legacy across the nation.

Master of Wartime Diplomacy and the Lend-Lease Program

As the global landscape darkened with the advent of World War II, Harry Hopkins's role shifted dramatically from domestic recovery to international strategy. His acute political instincts and capacity for intricate negotiations made him uniquely suited for the diplomatic challenges of wartime.

• Overseeing Lend-Lease: Hopkins was instrumental in overseeing the monumental $50 billion Lend-Lease program. Initiated in March 1941, this program allowed the United States to supply Allied nations, including the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, China, and others, with food, oil, and materiel, effectively bypassing the constraints of American neutrality laws. This initiative was crucial in sustaining the Allied war effort before direct U.S. involvement and demonstrated America's commitment to fighting totalitarianism.
• Personal Envoy to Allied Leaders: As President Roosevelt's personal envoy, Hopkins became a critical conduit for communication and negotiation with Allied leaders, particularly Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom and Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union. His discreet and effective diplomacy played a pivotal role in forging and maintaining the vital alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, a relationship often referred to as the "Special Relationship."

Early Life, Career Foundations, and Personal Ties

Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Hopkins's journey to national prominence began with a strong foundation in social justice and public welfare. After graduating from Grinnell College in 1912, he settled in New York City, immersing himself in the burgeoning field of social work. He accepted a position in New York City's Bureau of Child Welfare and dedicated himself to various social work and public health organizations, honing his understanding of societal needs and effective program implementation.

His dedication to social causes was recognized by his peers, leading to his election as president of the National Association of Social Workers in 1923. This extensive background in addressing social inequities and managing welfare initiatives made him a natural fit for the challenges of the Great Depression. In 1931, Jesse I. Straus, chairman of the New York Temporary Emergency Relief Administration, recognizing Hopkins's exceptional administrative capabilities, hired him as the agency's executive director. His highly successful leadership of this crucial program quickly captured the attention of then-New York Governor Roosevelt, who, after winning the 1932 presidential election, brought Hopkins into his federal administration as a key advisor.

Hopkins enjoyed an extraordinarily close and unique relationship with both President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. His living in the White House from 1940 to 1943 underscored his unparalleled access and influence, making him Roosevelt's closest confidante and a de facto "Assistant President." This deep personal and professional bond led many to consider him a potential successor to the presidency until the late 1930s, when his health began to decline due to a long and arduous battle with stomach cancer, which severely impacted his physical capabilities but rarely dimmed his intellectual sharpness or dedication.

Wartime Diplomacy and Legacy

Despite his deteriorating health, Hopkins assumed an even more critical foreign policy role after the outbreak of World War II. From 1940 until 1943, his residence in the White House ensured constant collaboration with the President on the intricacies of American foreign policy, especially concerning relations with the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union. His frequent, often clandestine, travels to the United Kingdom were instrumental in coordinating war strategy and maintaining morale. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, deeply impressed by Hopkins's resolve and character, famously recalled him in his memoirs as a "natural leader of men" with "a flaming soul," a testament to his impactful presence and persuasive abilities on the international stage.

Hopkins attended virtually all the major conferences of the Allied powers, where he played a crucial role in shaping grand strategy and the post-war world order. These included:

• The Casablanca Conference (January 1943), where the Allies planned the next phase of the war.
• The Cairo Conference (November 1943), focusing on the war against Japan.
• The Tehran Conference (November–December 1943), the first meeting of the "Big Three" (Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin), where major strategic decisions regarding the war's conclusion and the post-war world were made.
• The Yalta Conference (February 1945), where the "Big Three" again met to discuss Europe's post-war reorganization and the division of Germany, among other critical issues.

Throughout these demanding diplomatic missions, Hopkins's health continued its precipitous decline. He passed away in 1946 at the age of 55, having dedicated his life to serving his country through its most challenging domestic and international crises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harry L. Hopkins

Who was Harry Lloyd Hopkins?

Harry Lloyd Hopkins was a key American statesman, public administrator, and the closest presidential advisor to Franklin Delano Roosevelt during both the Great Depression and World War II. He was instrumental in designing and implementing New Deal relief programs and played a critical role in wartime diplomacy.

What was Harry Hopkins's primary role during the New Deal?

During the New Deal, Harry Hopkins served as the principal administrator of major relief agencies like the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), the Civil Works Administration (CWA), and most notably, the Works Progress Administration (WPA). He transformed the WPA into the largest employer in the United States, providing millions of jobs and vital infrastructure during the Great Depression.

How did Harry Hopkins contribute to the World War II effort?

In World War II, Hopkins became President Roosevelt's chief foreign policy advisor and personal envoy. He was crucial in overseeing the $50 billion Lend-Lease program, which supplied vital military aid to the Allies, and played a pivotal role in maintaining strong diplomatic relations and strategic coordination with Allied leaders, particularly Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin, by attending all major Allied conferences.

Why was Harry Hopkins so important to President Roosevelt?

Hopkins was considered Roosevelt's most trusted confidante due to his sharp intellect, administrative efficiency, and unwavering loyalty. Their shared vision for addressing national crises, coupled with Hopkins's ability to execute large-scale programs, made him an indispensable advisor who lived in the White House to ensure constant access and collaboration.

What was the Lend-Lease program?

The Lend-Lease Act, managed largely by Hopkins, was a vital U.S. policy enacted in March 1941, allowing the United States to supply Allied nations with war materials, equipment, and services without immediate payment. It circumvented the cash-and-carry provisions of earlier neutrality acts, providing crucial support to countries like Britain and the Soviet Union before the U.S. formally entered World War II, effectively turning America into the "arsenal of democracy."