Adlai Stevenson II, American soldier, politician, and diplomat, 5th United States Ambassador to the United Nations (d. 1965)

Adlai Ewing Stevenson II (February 5, 1900 – July 14, 1965) was a distinguished American lawyer, politician, and diplomat whose career spanned pivotal moments in 20th-century U.S. history. Renowned for his intellectual prowess, eloquent speeches, and a sophisticated approach to public service, Stevenson left an indelible mark on both domestic policy and international relations.

Early Life and Federal Service

Raised in Bloomington, Illinois, Adlai Stevenson II hailed from a politically prominent family; his grandfather, Adlai E. Stevenson I, served as Vice President of the United States under President Grover Cleveland. A member of the Democratic Party, Stevenson embarked on a path of public service that saw him hold numerous significant positions within the federal government throughout the 1930s and 1940s. These roles included key responsibilities within agencies established during the New Deal era, such as the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) and the Federal Alcohol Administration. During World War II, he served as a special assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, contributing to the war effort. His dedication to international cooperation was evident early on: in 1945, Stevenson played a crucial role on the committee that drafted the Charter of the United Nations, participating in the foundational San Francisco Conference. Subsequently, he was an active member of the initial U.S. delegations to the newly established United Nations, helping to shape its formative years and articulate America’s vision for global peace and security.

Governorship of Illinois: A Reformer's Stance

In 1948, Stevenson made a dramatic entry into state politics, achieving an unexpected victory in the Illinois gubernatorial election. He defeated the incumbent Republican governor, Dwight H. Green, in what was widely considered a significant upset. As governor of Illinois from 1949 to 1953, Stevenson earned a reputation as a progressive reformer committed to modernizing state government and combating corruption. His administration implemented several key initiatives:

• Reformed the State Police: Stevenson worked to professionalize the Illinois State Police, aiming to depoliticize the force and enhance its effectiveness in upholding law and order.
• Cracked Down on Illegal Gambling: He took a firm stance against organized crime and pervasive illegal gambling operations, which had long been a source of corruption within state politics.
• Improved State Highways: Recognizing the growing need for robust infrastructure in the post-World War II era, Stevenson initiated programs to upgrade and expand Illinois' highway system, facilitating economic growth and improving transportation.
• Combated Government Corruption: A central ten of his governorship was an earnest attempt to cleanse the state government of entrenched corruption, fostering greater transparency and accountability.

While committed to broad systemic change, some of Stevenson's more ambitious reforms faced legislative hurdles. His efforts to reform the Illinois state constitution and introduce several comprehensive crime bills in the state legislature ultimately failed to pass, highlighting the challenges of enacting significant structural changes against political opposition.

Presidential Aspirations and Defeats

Adlai Stevenson's national profile grew considerably, leading to his selection as the Democratic nominee for president in both the 1952 and 1956 presidential elections. Despite his eloquent campaigning and intellectual appeal, often earning him the moniker of the "thinking man's candidate," he faced an insurmountable challenge in the immensely popular Republican candidate, General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower, a revered World War II hero, decisively defeated Stevenson in a landslide on both occasions. Undeterred, Stevenson sought the Democratic presidential nomination for a third time in 1960 at the Democratic National Convention. However, he was again unsuccessful, losing to a younger, more dynamic candidate, Senator John F. Kennedy, who ultimately secured the nomination and the presidency.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations: A Diplomatic Crucible

Following his election, President John F. Kennedy appointed Adlai Stevenson as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations in January 1961. This role proved to be the capstone of his distinguished career, placing him at the forefront of American diplomacy during the intense period of the Cold War. As UN Ambassador, Stevenson navigated complex international crises with characteristic poise and sharp intellect. Two of the most critical events he confronted during his tenure were:

• The Bay of Pigs Invasion (April 1961): A covert U.S. operation attempting to overthrow Fidel Castro's communist government in Cuba, the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion placed Stevenson in an unenviable position, requiring him to defend U.S. actions on the international stage amidst accusations of aggression.
• The Cuban Missile Crisis (October 1962): This 13-day confrontation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union over the placement of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Stevenson played a pivotal role in the UN Security Council, famously confronting Soviet Ambassador Valerian Zorin with irrefutable photographic evidence of the missiles. His powerful and articulate public statements, including his demand for an answer from Zorin – "I am prepared to wait for your answer until hell freezes over" – were crucial in exposing the Soviet deception and rallying international support for the U.S. position, ultimately contributing to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Legacy and Passing

Adlai Stevenson served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations with distinction until his death on July 14, 1965, during a visit to London. He suffered a heart attack while walking in the city. His passing marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to public service. Stevenson is interred in Evergreen Cemetery in his beloved hometown of Bloomington, Illinois. He is remembered not only for his significant contributions as a lawyer, governor, and diplomat but also for his enduring intellectual honesty, wit, and commitment to liberal ideals, which continue to resonate in American political discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions about Adlai E. Stevenson II

Who was Adlai Ewing Stevenson II?

Adlai Ewing Stevenson II was a prominent American lawyer, politician, and diplomat who served as Governor of Illinois, a two-time Democratic presidential nominee, and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during the Cold War.

What were some of Adlai Stevenson's key achievements as Governor of Illinois?

As Governor of Illinois (1949-1953), Stevenson reformed the state police, cracked down on illegal gambling, improved state highways, and made significant efforts to combat government corruption, though some of his constitutional reforms faced legislative defeat.

How many times did Adlai Stevenson run for U.S. President?

Adlai Stevenson was the Democratic Party's presidential nominee twice, in the 1952 and 1956 elections, both times losing to Dwight D. Eisenhower. He also unsuccessfully sought the nomination for a third time in 1960.

What major international crises did Adlai Stevenson handle as UN Ambassador?

As U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (1961-1965), Adlai Stevenson played a crucial role in managing major Cold War crises, most notably the aftermath of the Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, where he famously confronted the Soviet Union with evidence of missiles in Cuba.