Who was Nicholas Murray Butler?

Nicholas Murray Butler (April 2, 1862 – December 7, 1947) was a prominent American figure known for his roles as a philosopher, diplomat, and educator. He served as the president of Columbia University for an extended period and was recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize.

What were Nicholas Murray Butler's primary roles and achievements?

Nicholas Murray Butler held several significant positions throughout his career. He was the President of Columbia University from 1902 to 1945, making his tenure the longest in the university's history. He also served as the president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. Additionally, he was the running mate for William Howard Taft in the 1912 United States presidential election.

What educational degrees did Nicholas Murray Butler obtain from Columbia University?

Nicholas Murray Butler earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1882, his Master of Arts degree in 1883, and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1884, all from Columbia University.

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

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

What significant expansion occurred at Columbia University during Butler's presidency?

During Nicholas Murray Butler's presidency, Columbia University underwent a major expansion. This expansion included the addition of numerous new buildings, schools, and departments, notably the establishment of the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, which was the first academic medical center globally.

What controversial policy did Butler implement regarding university admissions?

In 1919, Nicholas Murray Butler altered Columbia University's admissions process to limit the number of Jewish students. This action made Columbia the first American institution of higher learning to establish a quota system for Jewish admissions, significantly reducing the proportion of New York City students from 54% to 23%.

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

Nicholas Murray Butler has been labeled an anti-semite primarily due to his implementation of a quota system in 1919 to limit the admission of Jewish students at Columbia University. This policy was a response to what was termed 'the invasion of the Jewish student' at the time.

What was Butler's view on totalitarian systems expressed in 1931?

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

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

In 1941, Nicholas Murray Butler, as the ex-officio head of the Pulitzer board, found Ernest Hemingway's novel 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' to be offensive. He successfully persuaded the board to reverse its initial decision to award the prize, resulting in no novel receiving the award that year.

What honors did Columbia University bestow upon Nicholas Murray Butler?

In recognition of his contributions, Columbia University named its philosophy library after Nicholas Murray Butler during his lifetime. After his death, the university renamed its main academic library, previously known as South Hall, to Butler Library. Additionally, a faculty apartment building and a significant prize in philosophy were named in his honor.

What political activities was Nicholas Murray Butler involved in?

Nicholas Murray Butler was a delegate to every Republican National Convention from 1888 to 1936. He was designated to receive the electoral votes for James S. Sherman in the 1912 presidential election after Sherman's death. Butler also sought the Republican presidential nomination for Elihu Root in 1916 and for himself in 1920.

What was Butler's stance on Prohibition in the United States?

Nicholas Murray Butler believed that Prohibition was a misguided policy with negative consequences for the country. He actively participated in the successful movement to repeal Prohibition in 1933.

Who did Butler credit for the philosophical basis of his Republican principles?

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

What was Butler's attitude towards Fascism and Nazism?

According to historian Stephen H. Norwood, Butler had a complex attitude towards Fascism and Nazism. He was a long-time admirer of Benito Mussolini, comparing him to Oliver Cromwell, and noted the improvements Fascism brought. However, he also expelled a student for an anti-Nazi protest and was criticized for his silence regarding Hitler's regime until the late 1930s, only unambiguously condemning Nazi Germany after Kristallnacht.

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

Nicholas Murray Butler was instrumental in persuading Andrew Carnegie to provide the initial $10 million funding for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He later headed the Endowment's international education and communication efforts, established its European branch, and served as its President from 1925 to 1945.

For what work did Butler receive the Nobel Peace Prize?

Nicholas Murray Butler was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931, shared with Jane Addams. The prize recognized his promotion of the Kellogg-Briand pact and his leadership within the more establishment-oriented segment of the American peace movement.

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

In December 1916, Nicholas Murray Butler, along with other philanthropists, purchased the Château de Chavaniac, the birthplace of the Marquis de Lafayette. This property was intended to serve as the headquarters for the French Heroes Lafayette Memorial Fund.

What was Butler's role in the Pilgrims Society?

Nicholas Murray Butler served as the President of the Pilgrims Society from 1928 to 1946. This organization is dedicated to promoting friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom.

When did Nicholas Murray Butler become nearly blind, and what was the impact?

Nicholas Murray Butler became almost completely blind in 1945 at the age of 83. Following this, he resigned from his positions and passed away two years later.

How was Nicholas Murray Butler criticized by contemporaries?

Nicholas Murray Butler was not universally admired. Poet Rolfe Humphries published an acrostic poem in 'Poetry' magazine that spelled out a critical message about Butler. Additionally, Randolph Bourne satirized him as 'Alexander Macintosh Butcher' in an essay, and critic Dorothy Dunbar Bromley described Butler's pronouncements as 'interminable miasmas of guff'.

What honors did Nicholas Murray Butler receive from foreign governments?

Nicholas Murray Butler received several international honors, including Knight Grand Commander in the Order of the Redeemer, the Order of Saint Sava, the Grand Cross of the Order of the White Lion (1926), the Grand cordon of the Order of Leopold, the Knight Grand cross of the Order of the Crown of Italy, Commander in the Order of the Red Eagle, and Knight Grand cross of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus.

What academic distinction did the University of Szeged bestow upon Butler?

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

What significant publication discussed Butler's tenure at Columbia University?

Upton Sinclair's book, 'The Goose-Step: A Study of American Education,' provides an in-depth examination of Nicholas Murray Butler's time as president of Columbia University.

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

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

What was the nature of Butler's involvement with the New York School for the Training of Teachers?

In 1887, Nicholas Murray Butler co-founded the New York School for the Training of Teachers with Grace Hoadley Dodge. He also served as its president. This institution later affiliated with Columbia University and was renamed Teachers College, Columbia University.

What is Butler Library at Columbia University named after?

Butler Library at Columbia University is named in honor of Nicholas Murray Butler, who served as the university's president for 43 years.

What was the context of Theodore Roosevelt calling Butler 'Nicholas Miraculous'?

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

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

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 by a group including Nicholas Murray Butler to serve as its headquarters.

What is the significance of the image of Butler in 1916?

The image shows Nicholas Murray Butler in 1916. This period was during his long tenure as President of Columbia University and his active involvement in internationalist and peace movements.

What is the significance of the Autochrome portrait of Butler from 1921?

The Autochrome portrait of Nicholas Murray Butler from 1921, created by Auguste Léon, represents an early color photography technique. It captures Butler during his influential period as president of Columbia University and a key figure in international affairs.

What was Butler's role in the Lake Mohonk Conference on International Arbitration?

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.

What was the nature of Butler's relationship with Elihu Root?

Nicholas Murray Butler formed a lifelong friendship with Elihu Root, who later became Secretary of State. Through Root, Butler also met Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft.

What did Butler's autobiography cover?

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

What criticism was leveled against Butler regarding his writings and speeches?

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

What was the outcome of the 1912 US Presidential election for the Republican ticket Butler was part of?

In the 1912 US Presidential election, Nicholas Murray Butler was the designated replacement for Vice President James S. Sherman, who had died shortly before the election. The Republican ticket ultimately won only 8 electoral votes, finishing third behind the Democratic and Progressive parties.

What specific work is listed as a source for information on Butler's time at Columbia?

The book 'The Goose-Step: A Study of American Education' by Upton Sinclair is cited as a source that provides an in-depth look at Nicholas Murray Butler's tenure as president of Columbia University.

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

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

What was the purpose of the Pilgrims Society, of which Butler was president?

The Pilgrims Society, with Nicholas Murray Butler serving as its president from 1928 to 1946, aims to foster friendship and understanding between the United States and the United Kingdom.

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

During the 1890s, Nicholas Murray Butler played a role in establishing the College Entrance Examination Board, an organization that aimed to standardize the process of college admissions across institutions.

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

Historian Stephen H. Norwood suggested that Nicholas Murray Butler failed to fully grasp the nature and implications of Nazism. Norwood attributed this to Butler's private antisemitism, his conservative economic views, and his opposition to trade unionism.

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

In 1936, Nicholas Murray Butler expelled Robert Burke, the class president of the 1938 graduating class, for organizing an anti-Nazi protest on the Columbia University campus.

What specific work is listed as a source for Butler's views on Prohibition?

A New York Times article from December 21, 1925, is cited, in which Butler expressed his views on Prohibition, calling the attempt 'colossal' and 'immoral,' and believing the tide had turned towards reform.

What was the significance of Butler's role in the 1912 US Presidential election as a replacement nominee?

Nicholas Murray Butler was designated to receive the electoral votes intended for James S. Sherman, the original Republican Vice Presidential nominee, after Sherman's death. This occurred during the 1912 election where the Republican ticket ultimately secured only 8 electoral votes.

What did Butler's Christmas greeting to the nation entail?

For many years during the 1920s and 1930s, The New York Times published Nicholas Murray Butler's annual Christmas greeting to the nation. These messages often conveyed his thoughts on societal institutions and public policies.

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

Nicholas Murray Butler was instrumental in persuading Andrew Carnegie to provide the initial $10 million funding for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. This initiative aimed to promote international understanding and cooperation.

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

In 1915, Randolph Bourne lampooned Nicholas Murray Butler in an essay titled 'One of Our Conquerors,' published in 'The New Republic.' Bourne referred to Butler by the satirical name 'Alexander Macintosh Butcher'.

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

In 1939, poet Rolfe Humphries published a poem titled 'Draft Ode for a Phi Beta Kappa Occasion' in 'Poetry' magazine. The first letters of each line of the poem, when read vertically, spelled out the phrase 'Nicholas Murray Butler is a horses ass,' which led to an apology from the magazine's editors upon its discovery.

What was Butler's role in the formation of the Horace Mann School?

The Horace Mann School originated as a co-educational experimental and developmental unit from the New York School for the Training of Teachers, which Nicholas Murray Butler co-founded and led. This school later became affiliated with Columbia University.

What specific work by Butler is listed as a philosophical text?

One of Nicholas Murray Butler's works listed is 'Philosophy,' published by Columbia University Press in 1908, which went into its third thousand copies.

What was Butler's involvement with the American Academy of Arts and Letters?

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

Nicholas Murray Butler Wiki: Nicholas Murray Butler: Architect of Modern Academia

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Biography

Early Life and Origins

Nicholas Murray Butler was born on April 2, 1862, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He was the great-grandson of Morgan John Rhys. His parents were Mary Butler and Henry Butler, a manufacturing worker. Theodore Roosevelt famously referred to him as "Nicholas Miraculous" due to his extensive achievements.

Influential Connections

During his studies in Paris and Berlin in 1885, Butler formed a lifelong friendship with future Secretary of State Elihu Root. Through Root, he met Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, establishing connections that would shape his career in diplomacy and politics.

Academic Foundations

Butler enrolled in Columbia College (now Columbia University), where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1882, master's in 1883, and doctorate in 1884. His academic journey laid the groundwork for his significant contributions to higher education.

Educational Leadership

Founding and Affiliation

In 1887, Butler, alongside Grace Hoadley Dodge, co-founded the New York School for the Training of Teachers. This institution later affiliated with Columbia University and was renamed Teachers College, Columbia University, eventually leading to the establishment of the Horace Mann School.

Scholarly Contributions

Throughout the 1890s, Butler was actively involved in educational reform, serving on the New Jersey Board of Education and playing a key role in forming the College Entrance Examination Board. He also edited "The Great Educators" book series for Charles Scribner's Sons.

Public Discourse

Butler was a prolific writer and speaker on a wide range of subjects, from education to world peace. While his pronouncements were often erudite, critics sometimes described them as "portentous and overblown" or "interminable miasmas of guff."

Columbia University Presidency

Transformative Tenure

Butler became acting president of Columbia University in 1901 and formally assumed the presidency in 1902. His tenure, lasting 43 years until 1945, is the longest in the university's history. During this period, he oversaw a significant expansion of the campus, establishing new buildings, schools, and departments, including the world's first academic medical center, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center.

Controversial Admissions Policy

In 1919, Butler implemented an admissions policy that effectively limited the number of Jewish students, making Columbia the first American institution to establish a quota for Jewish admissions. This policy significantly reduced the proportion of New York City students, leading to criticism and accusations of antisemitism.

Views on Governance

In 1931, Butler expressed controversial views on totalitarian systems, suggesting they produced individuals of greater intelligence, character, and courage than electoral systems. His later actions, including expelling a student for leading an anti-Nazi protest and his initial silence on Nazi Germany, drew criticism until he unambiguously condemned the regime after Kristallnacht.

Political Engagement

Republican Delegate

Butler was a delegate to every Republican National Convention from 1888 to 1936. He was designated to receive electoral votes for Vice President in the 1912 election following the death of James S. Sherman, though the Republican ticket ultimately finished third.

Presidential Aspirations

Butler actively sought the Republican presidential nomination in 1920 and also worked to secure the nomination for his friend Elihu Root in 1916. His political ambitions, however, did not culminate in a presidential candidacy.

Stance on Prohibition

Butler believed that Prohibition was a detrimental policy with negative consequences for the nation. He was a proponent of its repeal and actively supported the successful efforts to end Prohibition in 1933.

Advocate for Peace

International Peace Efforts

Butler was a prominent internationalist. He chaired the Lake Mohonk Conference on International Arbitration from 1907 to 1912 and was instrumental in securing Andrew Carnegie's funding for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He led the Endowment's European branch and served as its President from 1925 to 1945.

Nobel Peace Prize Recipient

For his dedication to promoting international understanding and his role in advocating for the Kellogg-Briand Pact, Butler was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931, sharing it with Jane Addams. He was recognized as a leader within the American peace movement.

Anglo-American Relations

Butler served as President of the Pilgrims Society from 1928 to 1946, an organization dedicated to fostering friendship between the United Kingdom and the United States. This role underscored his commitment to international cooperation and diplomacy.

Published Works

Key Publications

Butler authored numerous books and essays throughout his career, covering topics from philosophy and education to politics and international relations. Notable works include:

Regeneration: A Reply to Max Nordau (1896)
True and False Democracy (1907)
The International Mind: An Argument for the Judicial Settlement of International Disputes (1912)
The Basis of Durable Peace: Written at the Invitation of The New York Times (1918)
Across the Busy Years: Recollections and Reflections (Vol. 1, 1939; Vol. 2, 1940)

Philosophy (1908)
Why Should we Change our Form of Government? (1912)
The Great War and Its Lessons (1914)
The United States of Europe (1914)
The United States as a World Power (1914)
The Building of the Nation (1916)
Problems of Peace and After-Peace (1919)
Making Liberal Men and Women (1921)
Scholarship and Service (1921)
Building the American Nation (1923)
The Faith of a Liberal (1924)
Between Two Worlds (1934)

Distinctions and Honors

International Recognition

Butler received numerous international honors, reflecting his global influence in diplomacy and education. These included high distinctions from Greece, Serbia, Belgium, and Italy, such as the Order of the Redeemer, Order of Saint Sava, Order of Leopold, and the Order of the Crown of Italy.

Academic Accolades

His academic contributions were recognized with honorary doctorates, including one from the University of Szeged in Hungary in 1931. He was also elected a member of the American Philosophical Society in 1938.

Nobel Laureate

Butler's significant work in promoting international peace and his role in advocating for disarmament treaties earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. This award cemented his status as a leading figure in the global peace movement.

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References

Stephen H. Norwood, "The Expulsion of Robert Burke: Suppressing Campus Anti-Nazi Protest in the 1930s". Journal for the Study of Antisemitism 4:1 (2012): 89-114.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Nicholas Murray Butler Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation in education, diplomacy, or any other field. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

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Nicholas Murray Butler: Architect of Modern Academia

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biography 👤

📅 Early Life and Origins

🤝 Influential Connections

🎓 Academic Foundations

Educational Leadership 🎓

🏫 Founding and Affiliation

📚 Scholarly Contributions

🗣️ Public Discourse

Columbia University Presidency 🏛️

🚀 Transformative Tenure

⚖️ Controversial Admissions Policy

🤔 Views on Governance

Political Engagement 🗳️

🇺🇸 Republican Delegate

🏆 Presidential Aspirations

🚫 Stance on Prohibition

Advocate for Peace 🕊️

🌍 International Peace Efforts

🏅 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient

🇬🇧🇺🇸 Anglo-American Relations

Published Works 📚

📖 Key Publications

Distinctions and Honors ⭐

🎖️ International Recognition

🎓 Academic Accolades

🏅 Nobel Laureate

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biography

Early Life and Origins

Influential Connections

Academic Foundations

Educational Leadership

Founding and Affiliation

Scholarly Contributions

Public Discourse

Columbia University Presidency

Transformative Tenure

Controversial Admissions Policy

Views on Governance

Political Engagement

Republican Delegate

Presidential Aspirations

Stance on Prohibition

Advocate for Peace

International Peace Efforts

Nobel Peace Prize Recipient

Anglo-American Relations

Published Works

Key Publications

Distinctions and Honors

International Recognition

Academic Accolades

Nobel Laureate

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice