Arthur Vandenberg: The Legislative Architect of the Marshall Plan
Former U.S. Senator Arthur Vandenberg was one of the most influential American politicians of the mid-1900s. He was a legislative architect of several foreign policy decisions including the Marshall Plan, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the establishment of the United Nations. He pioneered and nurtured bipartisan consensus in Congress on many monumental decisions in U.S. history, and even chose to forego running for President despite his evident popularity, yet few know who he is or remember his public service contribution.
Hendrik G. “Hank” Meijer --- Michigan native and Executive Chairman of Meijer Inc. --- wrote a comprehensive biography of Senator Vandenberg (1884 – 1951), honoring the statesman’s efforts in a compelling biography entitled “Arthur Vandenberg: The Man in the Middle of the American Century” published in 2017. Senator Vandenberg’s humble background and successful career should be appreciated, and his contributions should be revisited for the important lessons they offer today.
Please join us at CSIS to welcome Former Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham who will provide opening remarks, followed by a seated armchair conversation with author Hank Meijer to discuss his book, the contributions of Senator Vandenberg, and to reflect on the Senator’s legacy in today’s U.S. political climate.
This event was made possible through support from CSIS.
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