Pat Brown, American lawyer and politician, 32nd Governor of California (b. 1905)

Edmund G. "Pat" Brown: Architect of Modern California

Edmund Gerald "Pat" Brown, born on April 21, 1905, in San Francisco, California, and passing away on February 16, 1996, was a pivotal American lawyer and politician. He is widely recognized for his transformative tenure as the 32nd Governor of California, serving two terms from 1959 to 1967. Brown's governorship ushered in an era of unprecedented growth and development, laying much of the foundational infrastructure and social policies that define California to this day.

Early Life and Ascendant Political Career

From an early age, Pat Brown displayed a keen interest in public speaking and the intricacies of politics. Eschewing a traditional four-year college path, he pursued his legal education directly, earning an LL.B. law degree in 1927. His career in public service began to blossom with his election as District Attorney for San Francisco, marking his first significant elected office. His effective leadership and commitment to justice propelled him further, leading to his successful campaign for Attorney General of California in 1950. As Attorney General, Brown gained a reputation for competence and moderation, positioning him strongly for the state's highest office, which he achieved with his election as Governor in 1958.

Landmark Achievements During His First Term (1959-1963)

Pat Brown's first term as governor is largely celebrated for its ambitious and far-reaching legislative agenda, which profoundly shaped California's future. He successfully spearheaded significant legislation, including a necessary tax increase that funded crucial state services and infrastructure projects. Among his most enduring legacies are:

• The California State Water Project: This monumental and highly complex engineering marvel aimed to capture and redistribute water from the water-rich northern part of California to the arid, but rapidly growing, central and southern regions. Initiated in 1960, this project involved the construction of 32 dams and reservoirs, over 700 miles of canals (most notably the California Aqueduct), pipelines, and pumping plants, making it one of the world's largest public water and power utilities. It was instrumental in supporting the state's agricultural boom and urban expansion, though it also faced ongoing environmental and political challenges regarding water allocation.
• The Master Plan for Higher Education (1960): Brown oversaw the creation and implementation of a groundbreaking, comprehensive framework for California's public higher education system. This plan established a tiered structure, delineating the roles of the University of California (UC) system as a research-intensive institution, the California State University ( (CSU) system for applied sciences and liberal arts, and the California Community Colleges for vocational training and lower-division transfer education. This visionary plan significantly expanded access to quality higher education for millions of Californians, becoming a national model for public universities.
• Progressive Civil Rights Legislation: Governor Brown was a strong advocate for civil rights. He actively pushed through various pieces of legislation aimed at combating discrimination, demonstrating his commitment to social justice long before the national civil rights movement gained full momentum.

Challenges and Tumultuous Second Term (1963-1967)

Despite the successes of his first term, Pat Brown's second term was marked by mounting social unrest and political challenges, reflecting the turbulent national mood of the 1960s:

• Defeat of Fair Housing Legislation: A significant setback occurred with the defeat of a crucial fair housing law, specifically the Proposition 14 ballot initiative in 1964, which repealed parts of the Rumford Fair Housing Act of 1963. The Rumford Act aimed to prevent discrimination in housing, but its repeal, though later overturned by the Supreme Court, highlighted deep societal divisions.
• Student Demonstrations at Berkeley: The University of California, Berkeley, became a flashpoint for student activism, most notably with the Free Speech Movement (FSM) in 1964. These protests, which challenged restrictions on political speech and activity on campus, escalated into significant confrontations and became a symbol of growing student dissent nationwide.
• The Watts Riots: In August 1965, the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles erupted in a massive and devastating riot, fueled by deep-seated racial tensions, police brutality, and socio-economic inequalities. The six-day disturbance resulted in 34 deaths, thousands of injuries, and significant property damage, forcing a national reckoning on urban poverty and civil rights.
• Divisive Vietnam War Debates: The escalating conflict in Vietnam caused ferocious internal battles and divisions within the Democratic Party. Governor Brown found himself navigating increasing public opposition to the war while contending with the evolving national political landscape.

Legacy and Enduring Impact

In 1966, amidst the growing unrest and a shifting political tide, Pat Brown lost his bid for an unprecedented third term to future President Ronald Reagan. Despite this electoral defeat, his legacy has since earned him widespread regard as the "builder of modern California." His administration's investments in infrastructure, education, and social programs provided the essential framework for California's explosive economic and demographic growth in the latter half of the 20th century. His pragmatic leadership and vision continue to influence public policy in the state.

The Brown family's commitment to public service continued through subsequent generations. His son, Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown Jr., followed in his footsteps, serving as California's 34th and 39th Governor, making them the only father-son duo to both hold the state's highest office. His daughter, Kathleen Brown, also entered politics, serving as the 29th California State Treasurer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Governor Pat Brown

When was Edmund G. "Pat" Brown Governor of California?

Edmund G. "Pat" Brown served as the 32nd Governor of California for two terms, from January 5, 1959, to January 2, 1967.

What were Pat Brown's most significant achievements as Governor?

Among his most significant achievements were the establishment of the comprehensive California State Water Project, the creation of the Master Plan for Higher Education, which expanded access to public universities and colleges, and the passage of important civil rights legislation.

How did Pat Brown impact California's education system?

He fundamentally transformed California's education system by implementing the Master Plan for Higher Education in 1960. This plan created a structured, accessible three-tier system comprising the University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges, ensuring quality education for a growing population.

What was the California State Water Project, and why was it important?

The California State Water Project was a massive engineering initiative designed to transport water from the wetter northern parts of California to the drier central and southern regions. It was crucial for supporting the state's agricultural industry and providing water for its rapidly expanding urban centers.

What challenges did Governor Brown face during his second term?

His second term was marked by significant social and political challenges, including the defeat of a fair housing law (Proposition 14), major student demonstrations at UC Berkeley (the Free Speech Movement), the devastating Watts Riots in Los Angeles, and deep divisions within the Democratic Party over the Vietnam War.

Who defeated Pat Brown in his bid for a third term?

Pat Brown was defeated in his 1966 re-election campaign by Ronald Reagan, who would later become the 40th President of the United States.

How is Pat Brown remembered today?

He is widely remembered as the "builder of modern California" due to his foundational work in establishing key infrastructure, expanding education, and advancing civil rights, which laid the groundwork for the state's prosperity and growth in the latter half of the 20th century.