# George McGovern > American historian and politician (1922–2012) **Wikidata**: [Q331742](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q331742) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_McGovern) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/george-mcgovern ## Summary George McGovern was an American historian, politician, and peace activist best known for his role as a U.S. Senator from South Dakota and his 1972 presidential campaign as the Democratic nominee. He was a decorated World War II veteran, a distinguished academic, and a lifelong advocate for progressive policies, including anti-poverty programs and opposition to the Vietnam War. ## Biography - **Born**: July 19, 1922, in Avon, South Dakota, United States - **Died**: October 21, 2012 - **Nationality**: American - **Education**: - Dakota Wesleyan University (B.A., 1946) - Northwestern University (Ph.D. in History, 1953) - **Known for**: U.S. Senator from South Dakota (1963–1981), 1972 Democratic presidential nominee, advocacy for anti-hunger programs, and opposition to the Vietnam War - **Employer(s)**: - Dakota Wesleyan University (Professor of History) - United States Senate (Senator from South Dakota) - United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (Ambassador) - **Field(s)**: Politics, History, Peace Activism ## Contributions George McGovern made significant contributions in politics, academia, and humanitarian efforts: - **Political Career**: Served as a U.S. Representative (1957–1961) and U.S. Senator (1963–1981) from South Dakota. He was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War and co-sponsored the McGovern-Hatfield Amendment to end U.S. involvement. - **Presidential Campaign**: Ran as the Democratic nominee in the 1972 U.S. presidential election, advocating for progressive policies such as universal healthcare, anti-poverty programs, and an end to the Vietnam War. - **Anti-Hunger Advocacy**: Played a key role in the creation of the Food for Peace program and the establishment of the World Food Prize. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. - **Academic Work**: Authored several books, including *The Great Cooperative Adventure* (1968) and *Grassroots: The Autobiography of George McGovern* (1977), which detailed his political and personal life. - **Military Service**: Served as a B-24 bomber pilot in World War II, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. ## FAQs ### What were George McGovern's key political achievements? George McGovern is best known for his opposition to the Vietnam War, his role in creating anti-hunger programs, and his 1972 presidential campaign, which championed progressive policies like universal healthcare and economic justice. ### Where did George McGovern receive his education? McGovern earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dakota Wesleyan University in 1946 and his Ph.D. in History from Northwestern University in 1953. ### What awards and honors did George McGovern receive? McGovern was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in World War II. He also received the Gandhi Peace Award and the World Food Prize for his humanitarian work. ### What was George McGovern's role in the Vietnam War? McGovern was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War and co-sponsored the McGovern-Hatfield Amendment, which sought to end U.S. military involvement in the conflict. ### How did George McGovern contribute to anti-hunger efforts? McGovern was instrumental in the creation of the Food for Peace program and served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, advocating for global food security. ## Why They Matter George McGovern's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to progressive values, peace, and social justice. His opposition to the Vietnam War helped shape public opinion and policy, while his advocacy for anti-hunger programs had a lasting impact on global food security. As a politician, academic, and activist, McGovern influenced generations of leaders and remains a symbol of principled leadership in American politics. ## Notable For - **Distinguished Flying Cross**: Awarded for his service as a B-24 bomber pilot in World War II. - **1972 Presidential Campaign**: Democratic nominee for President, advocating for progressive policies. - **McGovern-Hatfield Amendment**: Co-sponsored legislation to end U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. - **World Food Prize**: Recognized for his contributions to global food security. - **Gandhi Peace Award**: Honored for his peace activism. - **Academic Career**: Professor of History at Dakota Wesleyan University and author of several books. - **U.S. Ambassador**: Served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. ## Body ### Early Life and Education George Stanley McGovern was born on July 19, 1922, in Avon, South Dakota. He grew up in a small town and attended Dakota Wesleyan University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1946. After serving in World War II, he pursued a Ph.D. in History at Northwestern University, completing his degree in 1953. ### Military Service During World War II, McGovern served as a B-24 bomber pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He flew 35 combat missions over Europe and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery and service. ### Political Career McGovern began his political career as a U.S. Representative from South Dakota (1957–1961) and later served as a U.S. Senator (1963–1981). He was a leading voice against the Vietnam War and co-sponsored the McGovern-Hatfield Amendment, which aimed to end U.S. military involvement in the conflict. In 1972, he ran as the Democratic nominee for President, advocating for progressive policies such as universal healthcare, anti-poverty programs, and an end to the Vietnam War. ### Anti-Hunger Advocacy McGovern was a lifelong advocate for anti-hunger programs. He played a key role in the creation of the Food for Peace program and served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. His efforts in this area earned him the World Food Prize. ### Academic and Literary Work McGovern was a Professor of History at Dakota Wesleyan University and authored several books, including *The Great Cooperative Adventure* (1968) and *Grassroots: The Autobiography of George McGovern* (1977). His writings reflected his commitment to social justice and progressive values. ### Legacy George McGovern's legacy is defined by his principled leadership, his opposition to war, and his advocacy for social and economic justice. His contributions to politics, academia, and humanitarian efforts continue to inspire generations of leaders and activists. ## References 1. NNDB 2. BnF authorities 3. [DC Historic Sites](https://historicsites.dcpreservation.org/items/show/1104) 4. IMDb 5. [Source](https://www.dwu.edu/about-dwu/centers-of-excellence/mcgovern-center/george-and-eleanor-mcgovern) 6. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress 7. [Source](https://www.congress.gov/member/george-mcgovern/M000452) 8. [Source](http://exhibits.library.northwestern.edu/archives/exhibits/alumni/mcgovern.html) 9. [Source](https://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/laureates/20002009_laureates/2008_dole_and_mcgovern/) 10. International Standard Name Identifier 11. Virtual International Authority File 12. CiNii Research 13. [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/1970/02/07/archives/the-mcgoverns-house-isnt-too-old-but-its-set-in-its-ways.html) 14. Integrated Authority File 15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 16. SNAC 17. Find a Grave 18. Discogs 19. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 20. Munzinger Personen 21. [George McGovern, Richard Nixon challenger, dies. BBC News](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20021435) 22. McGovern, George Stanley (19 July 1922–21 October 2012) 23. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 24. CONOR.SI 25. BBC Things 26. Quora 27. [Source](https://the-new-order-last-days-of-europe.fandom.com/wiki/George_McGovern?oldid=24222) 28. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/George_McGovern-NY96N) 29. The Movie Database 30. Catalogo of the National Library of India