William Averell Harriman, a distinguished and accomplished American statesman, entrepreneur, and diplomat, entered the world on November 15, 1891, and concluded his remarkable life journey on July 26, 1986.
As the offspring of the illustrious railroad magnate E. H. Harriman, he was blessed with a natural aptitude for business and a strong work ethic, which would serve as the foundation for his future success.
Throughout his illustrious career, Harriman demonstrated an extraordinary ability to excel in a wide range of industries and professions, leaving an indelible mark on the world of politics, business, and diplomacy.
With a keen sense of entrepreneurial spirit and a relentless drive to succeed, Harriman built a reputation as a shrewd and visionary leader, whose contributions to various fields would be remembered for generations to come.
As a testament to his remarkable achievements, Harriman's legacy continues to inspire and influence countless individuals, serving as a shining example of the power of hard work, determination, and unwavering dedication to one's passions and pursuits.
Walter Prescott Harriman's formative years were marked by his attendance at Groton School, a prestigious institution that laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Subsequently, he pursued higher education at Yale University, where he cultivated a network of influential connections that would later prove instrumental in the establishment of a prominent banking firm. This banking entity, which would eventually evolve into Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., served as a testament to Harriman's shrewd business acumen and ability to build lasting relationships.
In addition to his involvement in the banking sector, Harriman also demonstrated a keen eye for investment, acquiring shares in several notable companies. His portfolio included stakes in the Union Pacific Railroad, a behemoth of the transportation industry, as well as the Merchant Shipping Corporation, which played a vital role in global commerce. Furthermore, Harriman's business interests extended to the technology sector, with shares in Polaroid Corporation, a pioneering company in the field of instant photography.
Through his diverse business ventures and strategic investments, Harriman solidified his position as a respected figure in the world of finance, his name becoming synonymous with shrewd business acumen and a keen sense of opportunity.
Harriman's political trajectory took shape during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, a pivotal moment in American history, as he embarked on a career in public service, initially by serving in the National Recovery Administration, a federal agency established to promote fair competition and stimulate economic recovery, and subsequently joining the Business Advisory Council, a prestigious organization comprising prominent business leaders and experts, whose primary objective was to provide guidance and advice to the federal government on matters of economic policy.
As his political acumen and expertise continued to evolve, Harriman transitioned into foreign policy roles, assuming a crucial position in the Lend-Lease program, a landmark initiative aimed at providing military and economic aid to countries fighting against the Axis powers during World War II, thereby playing a significant role in shaping the course of the war and its aftermath.
Furthermore, Harriman's diplomatic prowess was subsequently showcased when he was appointed as the ambassador to the Soviet Union, a position that afforded him the opportunity to engage with key world leaders, including Joseph Stalin, and participate in major World War II conferences, such as the Tehran Conference, the Yalta Conference, and the Potsdam Conference, where he played a vital role in forging alliances and negotiating treaties that would have far-reaching consequences for the post-war world order.
As the tumultuous era of war drew to a close, Harriman emerged as a stalwart champion of George F. Kennan's doctrine of containment, his unwavering commitment to this policy a testament to his astute understanding of the complex global dynamics at play.
Subsequently, Harriman's influence extended to the realm of commerce, where his tenure as Secretary of Commerce proved instrumental in the successful implementation of the Marshall Plan, a landmark initiative aimed at revitalizing the war-torn economies of Europe.
Years later, in 1954, Harriman would turn his attention to the realm of politics, launching a bid for the governorship of New York, a position he would ultimately secure through his decisive defeat of Republican Senator Irving Ives.
Though his single term as governor was marked by numerous challenges and controversies, Harriman's tenure would ultimately come to an end in 1958, when he was defeated in the election by Nelson Rockefeller, a formidable opponent who would go on to serve as the 41st Vice President of the United States.
W. Averell Harriman's pursuit of the highest office in the land, the presidency, was a goal he vigorously endeavored to achieve, presenting himself as a contender at the 1952 and 1956 Democratic National Conventions, respectively. Alas, his aspirations were not fulfilled, as he ultimately succumbed to defeat, losing the nomination to Adlai Stevenson II.
During the pivotal 1960s, W. Averell Harriman played a crucial role in facilitating the negotiations that led to the signing of the groundbreaking Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, a monumental achievement that took place during the esteemed presidency of John F. Kennedy.
Moreover, Harriman's profound influence extended to the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War, where he was deeply entrenched in the decision-making process, serving under the leadership of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson.
Following Johnson's departure from office, Harriman's trajectory continued to evolve, as he became affiliated with various esteemed organizations, including the visionary Club of Rome and the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations.
W. Averell Harriman was a multifaceted individual who consistently showcased an impressive capacity for transformation and success, effortlessly transitioning between distinct careers and industries, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on American politics, business, and diplomacy.
