Bernard Baruch

Bernard Mannes Baruch (August 19, 1870 – June 20, 1965) was an American financier, stock market and commodities speculator, statesman, and presidential adviser. After his success in business, he devoted his time toward advising a range of American presidents including Woodrow Wilson and John F. Kennedy on economic matters for over 40 years; this is why Baruch was highly regarded as an elder stateman. Described as a man of immense charm who enjoyed a larger-than-life reputation that matched his considerable fortune, he is remembered as one of the most powerful men of the early 20th century.

Presidential advisor

During World War I, he advised President Woodrow Wilson on national defense, during which time he became the chairman of the War Industries Board. At the war conclusion, he was seen with President Wilson at the Versailles Peace Conference.

Related Topics:
World War I - Woodrow Wilson - War Industries Board - Versailles Peace Conference

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Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "New Deal", Baruch was a member of the "Brain Trust." As the "Storm Clouds" of World War II approached, he proposed a number of wartime economic measures including:

Related Topics:
Franklin D. Roosevelt - New Deal - Brain Trust

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• A pay-as-you-go tax plan
• Rent ceilings
• Stockpiling of rubber and tin
• A synthetic rubber program to replace natural rubber, the sources of which were under enemy Axis Powers control

After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he was called upon by President Roosevelt to help with the United States war effort. Roosevelt offered the post of Treasury Secretary to Baruch, but the offer was declined because Baruch wanted to remain in his long-lasting role as an unofficial adviser.

Related Topics:
Pearl Harbor - Treasury Secretary

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In 1946, he was appointed the United States representative to the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission (UNAEC) by President Harry S. Truman. On Friday, June 14, 1946, Baruch presented his Baruch Plan to the UNAEC, which proposed international control of then-new atomic energy.

Related Topics:
United Nations Atomic Energy Commission - Harry S. Truman - June 14 - 1946

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