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Edward EverettAmerican politician and statesman, diplomat, orator
Date of Birth: 11.04.1794
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Edward Everett: Statesman, Diplomat, and Orator
- Academic Pursuits and Literary Influence
- Political Career
- Diplomatic Service
- Presidency of Harvard College and Secretary of State
- Senatorial Career and Retirement
- Oratorical Legacy
- Final Years and Support for the Union
Edward Everett: Statesman, Diplomat, and Orator
Early Life and EducationEdward Everett was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1794. Inspired by the renowned theologian Joseph Stevens Buckminster, he abandoned plans for a legal career in favor of studying divinity. At the age of 20, he became the pastor of the Brattle Street Church. His eloquent sermons and publications earned him recognition as a prominent theologian and polemicist.
Academic Pursuits and Literary Influence
Despite his religious vocation, Everett's passion for academia led him to resign from the ministry in 1815. He became a professor of Greek literature at Harvard University and spent nearly five years in Europe to enhance his knowledge of the language. In 1820, he became the editor of the North American Review, a prestigious literary journal.
Political Career
In 1825, Everett was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served as an advocate for President John Quincy Adams. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he actively participated in debates on international affairs. In 1835, he was elected Governor of Massachusetts for three consecutive terms but was defeated in 1839.
Diplomatic Service
In 1841, Everett was appointed U.S. Minister to Great Britain. His tenure was marked by complex diplomatic negotiations, including boundary disputes and the Creole affair. Despite multiple changes in the leadership of the State Department, Everett skillfully handled these challenges.
Presidency of Harvard College and Secretary of State
After being recalled from London in 1845, Everett served as President of Harvard College. Following the death of his mentor, Daniel Webster, he was appointed Secretary of State in 1852, completing the remaining months of Millard Fillmore's presidency.
Senatorial Career and Retirement
In 1853, Everett entered the U.S. Senate as a senator from Massachusetts. However, his deteriorating health forced him to resign in 1854.
Oratorical Legacy
Upon retiring from politics, Everett became renowned as a captivating orator. He delivered over 100 speeches on George Washington, raising enough funds to purchase Washington's Mount Vernon estate. Everett also compiled a biographical sketch of Washington for the Encyclopaedia Britannica and wrote a separate biography in 1860.
Final Years and Support for the Union
During the Civil War, Everett remained a staunch supporter of the federal government. He delivered speeches in support of the Union and was invited to speak at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery in 1863, preceding Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. In 1865, Everett died from complications of a severe cold while speaking at a fundraising event in Boston.
