Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.

Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. (July 5, 1902 – February 27, 1985) was an American Republican politician and diplomat. He was a United States Senator from Massachusetts and served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, South Vietnam, and West Germany. Lodge was also the Republican nominee for Vice President in the 1960 election.

Early Life and Education

Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. was born in Nahant, Massachusetts, into a prominent political family. His grandfather, Henry Cabot Lodge, was a long-serving U.S. Senator. Lodge attended Harvard University, where he graduated in 1924. He then worked as a journalist before entering politics.

Political Career

Lodge was elected to the Massachusetts State Legislature in 1932. In 1936, he was elected to the United States Senate, where he served until 1944, when he resigned to serve in the United States Army during World War II.

United Nations Ambassador

In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Lodge as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. In this role, Lodge was involved in several key international issues, including the Suez Crisis and the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.

1960 Vice Presidential Nomination

Lodge was selected as the running mate for Richard Nixon in the 1960 presidential election. Despite a vigorous campaign, the Nixon-Lodge ticket was defeated by John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.

President John F. Kennedy meets with Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.

Ambassador to South Vietnam

Lodge was appointed by President Kennedy as the Ambassador to South Vietnam in 1963. He played a significant role during the early years of the Vietnam War, including the period leading up to the coup d'état that overthrew President Ngo Dinh Diem.

Later Career

After serving in Vietnam, Lodge continued his diplomatic career as the Ambassador to West Germany from 1968 to 1969. He also served as the Director General of the Atlantic Institute.

Personal Life

Lodge married Emily Esther Sears in 1926, and they had two children. He was known for his patrician demeanor and commitment to public service.

Legacy

Lodge's career spanned several decades and included significant contributions to both domestic politics and international diplomacy. His work in Vietnam remains a subject of study for historians and political scientists.

Map of the 1964 Republican Presidential Primaries

Also see

• Henry Cabot Lodge
• Richard Nixon
• Vietnam War
• United Nations
• Republican Party (United States)