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Nicholas Murray Butler Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Nicholas Murray Butler: Educator and Public Figure

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Nicholas Murray Butler: Educator and Public Figure Study Guide

Leadership at Columbia University

Nicholas Murray Butler served as President of Columbia University for 43 years.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler served as President of Columbia University for 43 years, from 1902 to 1945, which is the longest tenure in the university's history.

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Butler's presidency at Columbia University saw the establishment of the first academic medical center globally.

Answer: True

Explanation: During Nicholas Murray Butler's presidency, Columbia University expanded significantly, including the establishment of the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, recognized as the world's first academic medical center.

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Upton Sinclair's 'The Goose-Step' is cited as a source examining Butler's time at Columbia University.

Answer: True

Explanation: Upton Sinclair's book, 'The Goose-Step: A Study of American Education,' provides an examination of Nicholas Murray Butler's presidency at Columbia University.

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Nicholas Murray Butler expelled student Robert Burke for organizing an anti-Nazi protest on campus.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1936, Butler expelled student Robert Burke for organizing an anti-Nazi protest on the Columbia University campus.

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What was Nicholas Murray Butler's primary role for which he is widely recognized?

Answer: President of Columbia University for 43 years

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler is primarily recognized for his extensive tenure as President of Columbia University, serving for 43 years.

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What significant educational institution did Nicholas Murray Butler lead for an extended period?

Answer: Columbia University

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler led Columbia University as its president for 43 years, from 1902 to 1945.

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How long did Nicholas Murray Butler serve as President of Columbia University?

Answer: 43 years

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler served as President of Columbia University for 43 years, from 1902 to 1945.

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What was the context of Butler expelling student Robert Burke in 1936?

Answer: For organizing an anti-Nazi protest.

Explanation: In 1936, Butler expelled student Robert Burke for organizing an anti-Nazi protest on the Columbia University campus.

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International Peace Advocacy and Recognition

Nicholas Murray Butler was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931 for his work promoting international peace.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931, shared with Jane Addams, for his promotion of the Kellogg-Briand pact and his leadership within the American peace movement.

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Nicholas Murray Butler persuaded Andrew Carnegie to fund the establishment of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler was instrumental in persuading Andrew Carnegie to provide the initial $10 million funding for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

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The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Butler in 1931 recognized his contributions to promoting peace movements and the Kellogg-Briand pact.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Butler in 1931 recognized his promotion of the Kellogg-Briand pact and his leadership within the establishment-oriented segment of the American peace movement.

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Nicholas Murray Butler served as President of the Pilgrims Society, an organization promoting friendship between the US and UK.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler served as President of the Pilgrims Society from 1928 to 1946, an organization dedicated to fostering friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom.

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The French Heroes Lafayette Memorial Fund was established to support the birthplace of the Marquis de Lafayette.

Answer: True

Explanation: The French Heroes Lafayette Memorial Fund was established to support the Château de Chavaniac, the birthplace of the Marquis de Lafayette, which was purchased in 1916.

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Nicholas Murray Butler served as chair of the Lake Mohonk Conference on International Arbitration from 1907 to 1912.

Answer: True

Explanation: From 1907 to 1912, Nicholas Murray Butler served as the chair of the Lake Mohonk Conference on International Arbitration, an annual gathering focused on promoting peaceful resolution of international disputes.

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The Pilgrims Society, chaired by Butler, aimed to foster understanding between the US and the UK.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Pilgrims Society, with Butler as president, is dedicated to fostering friendship and understanding between the United States and the United Kingdom.

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Nicholas Murray Butler was instrumental in securing funding for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Answer: True

Explanation: Butler persuaded Andrew Carnegie to provide the initial $10 million funding for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, an initiative aimed at promoting international understanding.

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In which year was Nicholas Murray Butler awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?

Answer: 1931

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.

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What role did Butler play in the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace?

Answer: He served as its President and led its international efforts.

Explanation: Butler persuaded Andrew Carnegie to fund the Endowment and later served as its President from 1925 to 1945, leading its international education and communication efforts.

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For which achievement was Nicholas Murray Butler awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?

Answer: Promoting the Kellogg-Briand pact and peace movements.

Explanation: Butler received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931 for his promotion of the Kellogg-Briand pact and his leadership within the American peace movement.

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What was the significance of the Château de Chavaniac purchase in 1916 involving Butler?

Answer: It was purchased to serve as headquarters for the French Heroes Lafayette Memorial Fund.

Explanation: In 1916, Butler was involved in purchasing the Château de Chavaniac, the birthplace of the Marquis de Lafayette, to serve as the headquarters for the French Heroes Lafayette Memorial Fund.

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Nicholas Murray Butler served as President of which organization dedicated to US-UK friendship?

Answer: The Pilgrims Society

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler served as President of the Pilgrims Society from 1928 to 1946, an organization dedicated to fostering friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom.

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What was the purpose of the French Heroes Lafayette Memorial Fund?

Answer: To support the birthplace of the Marquis de Lafayette.

Explanation: The French Heroes Lafayette Memorial Fund was established to support the Château de Chavaniac, the birthplace of the Marquis de Lafayette.

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During which period did Nicholas Murray Butler serve as chair of the Lake Mohonk Conference on International Arbitration?

Answer: 1907-1912

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler served as chair of the Lake Mohonk Conference on International Arbitration from 1907 to 1912.

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What was the relationship between Butler and Andrew Carnegie regarding the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace?

Answer: Butler persuaded Carnegie to provide the initial funding.

Explanation: Butler persuaded Andrew Carnegie to provide the initial $10 million funding for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

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Political and Social Stances

Nicholas Murray Butler believed that totalitarian systems produced individuals with superior intelligence compared to electoral systems.

Answer: True

Explanation: In September 1931, Nicholas Murray Butler stated that totalitarian systems fostered individuals with superior intelligence, character, and courage compared to those developed under electoral systems.

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Nicholas Murray Butler was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler was a lifelong member of the Republican Party and served as a delegate to its national conventions for many years.

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Butler actively campaigned for the repeal of Prohibition in the United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler considered Prohibition a misguided policy and actively participated in the successful movement to repeal it in 1933.

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In the 1912 US Presidential election, Nicholas Murray Butler was designated to receive electoral votes for James S. Sherman after Sherman's death.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the 1912 election, Butler was designated to receive electoral votes for Vice President James S. Sherman after Sherman's death, though the Republican ticket ultimately performed poorly.

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A New York Times article from 1925 cited Butler calling Prohibition 'colossal' and 'immoral'.

Answer: True

Explanation: A New York Times article from December 21, 1925, quotes Butler describing Prohibition as 'colossal' and 'immoral'.

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Nicholas Murray Butler was designated to receive electoral votes for James S. Sherman in the 1912 election after Sherman's death.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the death of Vice President James S. Sherman, Nicholas Murray Butler was designated to receive the electoral votes intended for Sherman in the 1912 election.

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What was Butler's controversial statement regarding totalitarian systems made in 1931?

Answer: Totalitarian systems produce superior individuals compared to electoral systems.

Explanation: In 1931, Butler controversially stated that totalitarian systems produced individuals with superior intelligence, character, and courage compared to those developed under electoral systems.

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Nicholas Murray Butler was a delegate to which party's national conventions for many years?

Answer: Republican Party

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler was a delegate to every Republican National Convention from 1888 to 1936.

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What was Butler's stance on Prohibition?

Answer: He viewed Prohibition as a misguided policy and worked for its repeal.

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler considered Prohibition a misguided policy and actively participated in the successful movement to repeal it in 1933.

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Educational Contributions and Philosophy

Nicholas Murray Butler credited John W. Burgess and Alexander Hamilton for the philosophical foundation of his Republican principles.

Answer: True

Explanation: Butler credited John W. Burgess and Alexander Hamilton for providing the philosophical foundation for his Republican principles.

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Nicholas Murray Butler was involved in the formation of the College Entrance Examination Board in the 1890s.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the 1890s, Nicholas Murray Butler was involved in establishing the College Entrance Examination Board, an organization that standardized college admissions testing.

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Nicholas Murray Butler co-founded the New York School for the Training of Teachers, which later became Teachers College.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1887, Nicholas Murray Butler co-founded the New York School for the Training of Teachers with Grace Hoadley Dodge; this institution later affiliated with Columbia University and was renamed Teachers College.

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The Horace Mann School originated from the New York School for the Training of Teachers, which Nicholas Murray Butler co-founded.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Horace Mann School originated as a unit of the New York School for the Training of Teachers, which Nicholas Murray Butler co-founded and led, later affiliating with Columbia University.

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Nicholas Murray Butler's work titled 'Philosophy' was published by Columbia University Press.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler's work titled 'Philosophy,' published by Columbia University Press in 1908, is listed as one of his significant publications.

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Who did Butler credit for providing the philosophical foundation for his Republican principles?

Answer: John W. Burgess and Alexander Hamilton

Explanation: Butler credited John W. Burgess and Alexander Hamilton for providing the philosophical foundation for his Republican principles.

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What was the role of the College Entrance Examination Board in Butler's career?

Answer: He founded it to standardize college admissions testing.

Explanation: During the 1890s, Butler was involved in establishing the College Entrance Examination Board, which standardized college admissions testing.

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Nicholas Murray Butler co-founded the New York School for the Training of Teachers with whom?

Answer: Grace Hoadley Dodge

Explanation: In 1887, Nicholas Murray Butler co-founded the New York School for the Training of Teachers with Grace Hoadley Dodge.

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Controversies and Criticisms

In 1919, Nicholas Murray Butler implemented a policy to limit the enrollment of Jewish students at Columbia University.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1919, Nicholas Murray Butler implemented a quota system to limit the admission of Jewish students at Columbia University, responding to concerns about an influx of Jewish students.

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Nicholas Murray Butler influenced the Pulitzer Prize decision for Ernest Hemingway's 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' by persuading the board to reverse its initial award.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1941, Butler, as ex-officio head of the Pulitzer board, persuaded the committee to reverse its decision to award the prize for 'For Whom the Bell Tolls,' resulting in no award being given that year.

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Historian Stephen H. Norwood suggested Butler's understanding of Nazism was flawed, attributing it partly to his private antisemitism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historian Stephen H. Norwood suggested Butler failed to grasp the nature and implications of Nazism, attributing this partly to his private antisemitism and conservative views.

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Poet Rolfe Humphries published a poem that contained a hidden, critical message about Butler.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1939, poet Rolfe Humphries published a poem with a hidden acrostic message critical of Butler, which caused controversy upon its discovery.

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Critic Dorothy Dunbar Bromley described Butler's pronouncements as 'interminable miasmas of guff'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Critic Dorothy Dunbar Bromley referred to Nicholas Murray Butler's numerous speeches and writings as 'interminable miasmas of guff,' suggesting they were overly verbose and perhaps lacking substance.

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Historian Stephen H. Norwood suggested Butler's antisemitism contributed to his failure to grasp Nazism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historian Stephen H. Norwood suggested Butler's private antisemitism and conservative views contributed to his failure to fully grasp the nature and implications of Nazism.

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Randolph Bourne satirized Butler as 'Alexander Macintosh Butcher' in an essay.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1915, Randolph Bourne lampooned Nicholas Murray Butler in an essay, referring to him by the satirical name 'Alexander Macintosh Butcher'.

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Rolfe Humphries' poem about Butler contained a hidden message spelling 'Nicholas Murray Butler is a horses ass'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rolfe Humphries' 1939 poem contained a hidden acrostic message spelling 'Nicholas Murray Butler is a horses ass,' which caused controversy upon its discovery.

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What controversial policy did Butler introduce at Columbia University in 1919?

Answer: A quota system for Jewish student admissions.

Explanation: In 1919, Butler introduced a quota system to limit the admission of Jewish students at Columbia University.

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Why has Nicholas Murray Butler been described as an anti-semite?

Answer: He implemented a quota system to limit Jewish student admissions.

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler is described as an anti-semite primarily due to his 1919 policy establishing a quota system to limit Jewish student admissions at Columbia University.

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How did Nicholas Murray Butler influence the Pulitzer Prize decision for Ernest Hemingway's 'For Whom the Bell Tolls'?

Answer: He persuaded the board to reverse its decision, preventing the award.

Explanation: In 1941, Butler persuaded the Pulitzer board to reverse its decision to award the prize for 'For Whom the Bell Tolls,' resulting in no award being given that year.

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According to historian Stephen H. Norwood, what was a factor in Butler's complex attitude towards Nazism?

Answer: His admiration for Benito Mussolini and Fascism.

Explanation: Historian Stephen H. Norwood noted Butler's admiration for Mussolini and Fascism as a factor in his complex attitude towards Nazism.

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Which critic described Butler's pronouncements as 'interminable miasmas of guff'?

Answer: Dorothy Dunbar Bromley

Explanation: Critic Dorothy Dunbar Bromley described Butler's pronouncements as 'interminable miasmas of guff'.

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What specific criticism did Randolph Bourne level against Butler in 1915?

Answer: Bourne satirized Butler using the name 'Alexander Macintosh Butcher'.

Explanation: In 1915, Randolph Bourne criticized Butler in an essay, satirizing him with the name 'Alexander Macintosh Butcher'.

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What was the hidden message in Rolfe Humphries' poem about Butler?

Answer: Nicholas Murray Butler is a horses ass.

Explanation: Rolfe Humphries' poem contained a hidden acrostic message spelling 'Nicholas Murray Butler is a horses ass'.

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What criticism did historian Stephen H. Norwood make regarding Butler's understanding of Nazism?

Answer: Butler failed to fully grasp the nature and implications of Nazism.

Explanation: Historian Stephen H. Norwood suggested Butler failed to fully grasp the nature and implications of Nazism.

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Personal Background and Honors

Columbia University named its main academic library 'Butler Library' in honor of Nicholas Murray Butler after his death.

Answer: True

Explanation: Columbia University honored Nicholas Murray Butler by renaming its main academic library 'Butler Library' posthumously.

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Nicholas Murray Butler became nearly blind in 1945.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler became almost completely blind in 1945, at the age of 83, which led to his resignation from his positions.

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Nicholas Murray Butler received the Grand Cross of the Order of the White Lion from the Czechoslovak government.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler received the Grand Cross of the Order of the White Lion in 1926 from the Czechoslovak government, among other international honors.

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The University of Szeged awarded Butler an honorary doctorate in 1931.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1931, the University of Szeged in Hungary awarded Nicholas Murray Butler an honorary doctorate (Doctor honoris causa).

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Theodore Roosevelt gave Butler the nickname 'Nicholas Miraculous'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Theodore Roosevelt bestowed the nickname 'Nicholas Miraculous' upon Nicholas Murray Butler, likely in recognition of his significant academic and professional achievements.

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Nicholas Murray Butler's autobiography was titled 'Across the Busy Years: Recollections and Reflections'.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1940, Nicholas Murray Butler completed his autobiography with the publication of 'Across the Busy Years: Recollections and Reflections,' detailing his life experiences and thoughts.

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Nicholas Murray Butler was elected as a member of the American Philosophical Society in 1938.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1938, Nicholas Murray Butler was elected as a member of the American Philosophical Society, recognizing his contributions to philosophy and intellectual life.

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Nicholas Murray Butler's annual Christmas greetings were often published in The New York Times.

Answer: True

Explanation: For many years, The New York Times published Nicholas Murray Butler's annual Christmas greetings, which often conveyed his thoughts on societal institutions and public policies.

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Nicholas Murray Butler served as president of The American Academy of Arts and Letters from 1928 to 1941.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler was an early member of The American Academy of Arts and Letters and served as its president from 1928 to 1941.

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Which of the following was NOT among Nicholas Murray Butler's significant roles or achievements?

Answer: Author of the influential novel 'The Great Gatsby'

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler was not the author of 'The Great Gatsby'; F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote that novel. Butler's achievements included leadership roles in peace organizations and academia, and receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

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Where was Nicholas Murray Butler born?

Answer: Elizabeth, New Jersey

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

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Which library at Columbia University was renamed in honor of Nicholas Murray Butler?

Answer: The main academic library (formerly South Hall)

Explanation: Columbia University renamed its main academic library, formerly South Hall, to Butler Library in honor of Nicholas Murray Butler.

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When did Nicholas Murray Butler become nearly blind?

Answer: 1945

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler became almost completely blind in 1945.

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What honor did the University of Szeged bestow upon Nicholas Murray Butler in 1931?

Answer: An honorary doctorate

Explanation: In 1931, the University of Szeged in Hungary awarded Nicholas Murray Butler an honorary doctorate.

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What nickname did Theodore Roosevelt bestow upon Nicholas Murray Butler?

Answer: Nicholas Miraculous

Explanation: Theodore Roosevelt bestowed the nickname 'Nicholas Miraculous' upon Nicholas Murray Butler.

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What was the title of Nicholas Murray Butler's autobiography?

Answer: Across the Busy Years: Recollections and Reflections

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler's autobiography was titled 'Across the Busy Years: Recollections and Reflections'.

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What distinction did Butler receive in 1938 from the American Philosophical Society?

Answer: Election as a member

Explanation: In 1938, Nicholas Murray Butler was elected as a member of the American Philosophical Society.

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What did Nicholas Murray Butler's annual Christmas greetings often convey?

Answer: His thoughts on societal institutions and public policies.

Explanation: Nicholas Murray Butler's annual Christmas greetings often conveyed his thoughts on societal institutions and public policies.

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