W. Michael Blumenthal, American economist and politician, 64th United States Secretary of the Treasury

Werner Michael Blumenthal: A Life of Resilience, Leadership, and Public Service

Werner Michael Blumenthal, born on January 3, 1926, is a distinguished German-born American figure renowned for his diverse contributions as a business leader, economist, and political adviser. His most prominent public service role was serving as the United States Secretary of the Treasury under President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1979, a critical period for the American economy.

An Extraordinary Escape and Survival: From Nazi Germany to Shanghai

Blumenthal's early life was marked by incredible adversity and resilience. At the tender age of thirteen in 1939, he and his Jewish family narrowly escaped the escalating persecution of Nazi Germany. Their perilous journey led them to Shanghai, China, which, despite being under Japanese occupation during World War II, served as one of the few places in the world that offered refuge to Jewish immigrants without requiring visas. He was compelled to live in the unique, overcrowded conditions of the Shanghai Ghetto until 1947, a stark experience that deeply shaped his worldview and commitment to global understanding.

Forging a New Path: Immigration, Education, and Early Career in the United States

After the war, Blumenthal embarked on a new chapter, making his way to San Francisco, California. With immense determination, he took on various odd jobs to self-finance his education. His academic pursuits led him to achieve significant milestones, graduating from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, and later Princeton University with advanced degrees in international economics. This rigorous academic background laid the foundation for his impressive career in both the private sector and public service.

A Legacy of Leadership: From Corporate Boards to Cabinet Positions

Before his appointment to President Carter's cabinet, Blumenthal had already established himself as a successful business executive and a seasoned public servant. His prior government experience included administrative positions under two Democratic presidents: John F. Kennedy, where he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, and Lyndon B. Johnson, where he held the crucial post of Ambassador to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). These roles honed his expertise in economic policy and international relations. As the Secretary of the Treasury in the Carter administration, he played a pivotal role in navigating the complex economic challenges of the late 1970s, including high inflation and energy crises. A defining achievement during his tenure was his significant involvement in the historic re-establishment of diplomatic and economic ties with the People's Republic of China, a landmark foreign policy initiative that reshaped global geopolitics.

Post-Government Contributions: Corporate Leadership and Cultural Preservation

Following his resignation from the Treasury Department, Blumenthal transitioned back to the corporate world, taking on prominent leadership roles. He served as the chairman and CEO of Burroughs Corporation, a major player in early computing technology, and later led Unisys, a company formed from the merger of Burroughs and Sperry. His career took a poignant turn when he dedicated seventeen years as the director of the newly restored Jewish Museum in Berlin, Germany. This role was profoundly significant, allowing him to contribute to the preservation of Jewish culture and history in the very nation from which his family had been forced to flee, embodying a powerful message of reconciliation and remembrance.

Author and Chronicler of the Twentieth Century

Werner Michael Blumenthal is also an accomplished author, sharing insights from his extraordinary life and career. His published works include "The Invisible Wall" (1998, Counterpoint Press), which delves into themes related to identity and memory, and "From Exile to Washington: A Memoir of Leadership in the Twentieth Century" (2013, The Overlook Press), offering a comprehensive personal account of his remarkable journey through the pivotal events and challenges of the 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Werner Michael Blumenthal

Who is Werner Michael Blumenthal?
Werner Michael Blumenthal is a distinguished German-born American business leader, economist, and political adviser, best known for serving as the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under President Jimmy Carter.
What was Werner Michael Blumenthal's experience during World War II?
At age thirteen, Blumenthal and his Jewish family fled Nazi Germany in 1939 and spent World War II as refugees in the Japanese-occupied Shanghai Ghetto until 1947, a rare haven for Jewish immigrants at the time.
What significant foreign policy achievement is Werner Michael Blumenthal associated with?
During his time as Secretary of the Treasury, he played a crucial role in the historic re-establishment of diplomatic and economic ties between the United States and the People's Republic of China.
What prominent cultural institution did Werner Michael Blumenthal lead?
He served for seventeen years as the director of the Jewish Museum in Berlin, Germany, a highly significant post given his personal history as a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany.
What books has Werner Michael Blumenthal authored?
He is the author of "The Invisible Wall" (1998) and his memoir, "From Exile to Washington: A Memoir of Leadership in the Twentieth Century" (2013).