John Foster Dulles Quotes

A collection of quotes by John Foster Dulles.

John Foster Dulles (1888-1959) was an American diplomat and lawyer who served as the 52nd Secretary of State under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Born on February 25, 1888, in Washington, D.C., Dulles came from a prominent family with a strong political background. He was the grandson of John W. Foster, a former Secretary of State, and the nephew of Robert Lansing, who also held the same position.

Dulles studied at Princeton University and later attended the George Washington University Law School. He joined a prestigious New York law firm and became a partner in 1917. Dulles gained a reputation as a skilled lawyer, particularly in international business law.

In the early 1950s, Dulles ventured into politics and played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era. As Secretary of State from 1953 to 1959, he advocated a hardline stance against communism and vigorously pursued an anti-Soviet agenda. Dulles was a staunch supporter of containment policies, including the establishment of defense alliances such as NATO.

During his tenure, Dulles was involved in significant diplomatic initiatives, including the formulation of the Eisenhower Doctrine, which provided military assistance to Middle Eastern countries threatened by communism. He also led the United States through complex negotiations, such as the Korean Armistice Agreement and the Geneva Accords, which dealt with the division of Vietnam.

Dulles passed away on May 24, 1959, due to colon cancer. Though controversial and sometimes criticized for his hawkish approach, John Foster Dulles left a lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy and played a significant role in shaping the nation's response to the challenges of the Cold War.