First Son: The Biography of Richard J. Daley

First Son: The Biography of Richard M. Daley

by Keith Koeneman

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16186 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	412 pages
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Richard J. Daley was mayor of Chicago for 21 years, from 1955 to 1976. He was a powerful and controversial figure, known for his strong leadership and his sometimes ruthless tactics. Daley was born in Chicago in 1902, the son of Irish immigrants. He began his political career in the 1930s, serving in the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate. In 1955, he was elected mayor of Chicago, a position he held until his death in 1976.

Daley was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a devout Catholic who attended Mass every day, but he was also a ruthless politician who was willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goals. He was a strong supporter of civil rights, but he also cracked down on dissent during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Daley was a master of patronage and political machine politics, but he also oversaw a period of great economic growth and progress in Chicago.

Daley's legacy is still debated today. Some historians view him as one of the greatest mayors in American history, while others see him as a corrupt and authoritarian figure. There is no doubt, however, that Daley was one of the most influential politicians of the 20th century.

Early life and career

Richard J. Daley was born on May 15, 1902, in Bridgeport, a working-class neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. His parents, Michael and Lillian (Dunne) Daley, were Irish immigrants. Daley's father was a laborer and his mother was a homemaker. Daley had three older sisters and one younger brother.

Daley attended public schools in Chicago and graduated from DePaul University in 1924 with a degree in law. He then worked as an attorney in private practice for several years. In 1936, Daley was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. He served in the House for six years, and then was elected to the Illinois Senate in 1942.

Mayor of Chicago

In 1955, Daley was elected mayor of Chicago. He was re-elected six times, and served until his death in 1976. Daley's 21 years in office were marked by both progress and controversy.

Under Daley's leadership, Chicago experienced a period of great economic growth. He oversaw the construction of the McCormick Place convention center, the O'Hare International Airport, and the Water Tower Place skyscraper. He also created the Chicago Transit Authority, which provides public transportation to the city.

Daley was also a strong supporter of civil rights. He desegregated Chicago's public schools and appointed African Americans to positions of power in city government. However, Daley also cracked down on dissent during the 1968 Democratic National Convention, which led to violent clashes between protesters and police.

Daley was a master of patronage and political machine politics. He used his control of city government to reward his supporters and punish his opponents. Daley's political machine was so powerful that it was able to control elections and deliver votes for Democratic candidates.

Daley died of a heart attack on December 20, 1976. He was 74 years old. His son, Richard M. Daley, was elected mayor of Chicago in 1989 and served until 2011.

Legacy

Richard J. Daley's legacy is still debated today. Some historians view him as one of the greatest mayors in American history. They point to his record of economic growth and progress, as well as his support for civil rights. Others see Daley as a corrupt and authoritarian figure. They point to his use of patronage and political machine politics, as well as his crackdown on dissent during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

There is no doubt, however, that Daley was one of the most influential politicians of the 20th century. He shaped the city of Chicago for decades, and his legacy continues to be felt today.

First Son: The Biography of Richard M. Daley

by Keith Koeneman

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16186 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	412 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE