Thomas R. Marshall: A More Global Stance?

The official Vice Presidential portrait of Thomas R. Marshall, the 28th Vice President of the United States, wearing a business suit and spectacles

For much of the early 20th century, the US isolated itself from European and international affairs at large. Thomas R. Marshall, the 28th Vice President of the United States, on the other hand, believed the US should’ve taken a more direct role in international politics.

Particularly concerned with the rise of fascism, Marshall believed the US should’ve gotten involved in European politics to prevent the rise of Hitler and the atrocities that ensued. And best of all? He predicted this years before Hitler took power in 1933.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Marshall was not a particularly popular VP, especially not with his president, Woodrow Wilson and his First Lady, Edith Wilson, who felt Marshall was “uncouth”.

Early Life

Legal Career

Governor of Indiana

Vice Presidency

Later Life & Death

Legacy