Al Smith

Al Smith

Al Smith

Alfred Emanuel Smith (December 30, 1873 – October 4, 1944) was an American politician who served four terms as Governor of New York and was the Democratic Party's candidate for President of the United States in 1928. Smith was a prominent leader of the Progressive Era and a strong advocate for the working class.

Early Life and Education

Al Smith was born in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City, to Alfred Emanuele Ferraro and Catherine Mulvihill. He attended St. James School in New York, which provided him with a basic education.

St. James School, New York

Smith's early life was marked by the challenges of growing up in a poor immigrant family, which shaped his views on social reform and labor rights.

Political Career

New York State Assembly

Smith began his political career in the New York State Assembly, where he served from 1904 to 1915. He quickly rose to prominence due to his advocacy for labor rights and social welfare programs.

Governor of New York

Smith served as the Governor of New York from 1919 to 1920 and again from 1923 to 1928. During his tenure, he implemented numerous reforms, including improvements in housing, labor laws, and social welfare.

Al Smith at his desk in 1913

Presidential Campaign

In 1928, Smith became the first Roman Catholic to be nominated for President by a major party. His campaign faced significant challenges, including anti-Catholic sentiment and opposition to his stance against Prohibition.

Portrait of Al Smith by Douglas Volk

Later Life and Legacy

After his defeat in the 1928 presidential election, Smith continued to be active in politics and public life. He was a vocal critic of the New Deal policies of his former ally, Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Governor Roosevelt and Al Smith

Smith's legacy is marked by his contributions to social reform and his role in shaping the modern Democratic Party.

Related Pages

• Governor of New York
• Progressive Era
• 1928 United States presidential election
• Franklin D. Roosevelt

Gallery

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  C.F. Murphy and Al Smith
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  Al Smith on the cover of TIME Magazine, July 1925
• Al Smith on the cover of The Good Citizen, November 1926
  Al Smith on the cover of The Good Citizen, November 1926
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  Al Smith, Bain News Service
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  Babe Ruth with Governor Al Smith
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  Al Smith and Charles Francis Adams III