John Hay Quotes

A collection of quotes by John Hay.

John Hay (1838-1905) was an American statesman and diplomat who served as a key advisor to several U.S. presidents. Born in Indiana, Hay began his career as a journalist, working for prominent newspapers such as the New-York Tribune. His exceptional writing skills, as well as his sharp political intellect, caught the attention of Abraham Lincoln.

In 1861, Hay became one of Lincoln's personal secretaries, forging a close relationship with the president during a tumultuous period in American history. Following Lincoln's assassination, Hay served as private secretary to President Rutherford B. Hayes and later embarked on a successful diplomatic career.

Under President William McKinley, Hay was appointed as the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, where he played a significant role in negotiating the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty concerning the construction of the Panama Canal. He caught the attention of McKinley's successor, President Theodore Roosevelt, who appointed him as Secretary of State in 1898. As secretary, Hay skillfully navigated American foreign relations, particularly in dealing with the Open Door Policy in East Asia.

Hay's most notable achievement as Secretary of State was his negotiation of the Hay-Herrán Treaty in 1903, which granted the United States the right to build the Panama Canal. Unfortunately, he passed away before witnessing the completion of this monumental engineering project.

Known for his diplomatic finesse, writing abilities, and visionary policies, John Hay left an indelible mark on American history. He consistently advocated for openness and cooperation on the international stage, leaving a lasting legacy as one of America's most influential statesmen.