Harry Hopkins

Harry Lloyd Hopkins (August 17, 1890 – January 29, 1946) was an influential American social worker, the 8th Secretary of Commerce, and one of Franklin D. Roosevelt's closest advisors. He was a key figure in the administration of President Roosevelt, playing a significant role in the New Deal domestic policies during the Great Depression and in the formation of the Lend-Lease program that significantly aided the Allies in World War II.

Early Life and Education

Harry Hopkins was born in Sioux City, Iowa, to David Aldona Hopkins and Anna Pickett Hopkins. He graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa in 1912, where he was deeply influenced by social work principles and the Progressive Movement. After college, Hopkins moved to New York City, where he worked for various social service organizations.

Career

Social Work

Hopkins' career in social work began in earnest in New York City, where he was employed by the Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor and later the American Red Cross. His work focused on alleviating poverty and unemployment, laying the groundwork for his future role in the New Deal.

New Deal Programs

In 1933, Hopkins was appointed by President Roosevelt to run the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), a New Deal agency created to distribute federal aid to the unemployed. Hopkins' success in FERA led to his subsequent leadership of the Civil Works Administration (CWA) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which aimed to create jobs for the unemployed on an unprecedented scale. Under his direction, these programs helped millions of Americans find work during the Great Depression.

World War II

During World War II, Hopkins served as Roosevelt's chief diplomatic advisor and troubleshooter. He was a key architect of the Lend-Lease program, which provided military aid to Allied nations. Hopkins also attended major wartime conferences, including meetings with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin, playing a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

Death and Legacy

Harry Hopkins died of stomach cancer on January 29, 1946, in New York City. He is remembered as one of the architects of the New Deal, significantly contributing to the relief, recovery, and reform programs that helped the United States during the Great Depression and World War II. His work laid the foundation for modern American social welfare policies.

See Also

• New Deal
• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• World War II
• Lend-Lease

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