# James R. Schlesinger

> United States Secretary of Defense; United States Secretary of Energy; economist, academic and educator (1929-2014)

**Wikidata**: [Q171989](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q171989)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_R._Schlesinger)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/james-r-schlesinger

## Summary
James R. Schlesinger (1929-2014) was an American economist, academic, and educator who served as the United States Secretary of Defense and later as the United States Secretary of Energy, making him a prominent figure in U.S. government and economic policy.

## Biography
- Born: 1929-02-15
- Nationality: United States
- Education: educated at Harvard University and University of Virginia
- Known for: served as United States Secretary of Defense and United States Secretary of Energy, and was an economist, academic, and educator
- Employer(s): Harvard University, University of Virginia
- Field(s): economics, government service

## Contributions
James R. Schlesinger made significant contributions to economic policy and government administration. As Secretary of Defense, he oversaw major defense policy decisions during his tenure. His work as Secretary of Energy involved managing energy policy and infrastructure. He also contributed to academic research and teaching at universities, particularly Harvard and the University of Virginia.

## FAQs
**What positions did James R. Schlesinger hold in the U.S. government?**
James R. Schlesinger served as both the United States Secretary of Defense and the United States Secretary of Energy, holding these positions during significant periods in U.S. history.

**Where did James R. Schlesinger receive his education?**
He was educated at Harvard University and the University of Virginia, two prestigious academic institutions in the United States.

**What was James R. Schlesinger's primary field of work?**
His primary field was economics, with significant contributions to government policy and academic teaching.

**Which universities were affiliated with James R. Schlesinger?**
He was affiliated with Harvard University and the University of Virginia as an academic and educator.

## Why They Matter
James R. Schlesinger's work had lasting impacts on U.S. defense and energy policy. As Secretary of Defense, he helped shape national security strategies during a critical period in American history. His contributions to energy policy as Secretary of Energy influenced long-term energy planning and infrastructure development. His academic work and teaching at major universities helped develop future generations of economists and policymakers.

## Notable For
- Served as United States Secretary of Defense and United States Secretary of Energy
- Made significant contributions to economic theory and policy
- Educated at Harvard University and University of Virginia
- Affiliated with major academic institutions
- Influenced U.S. defense and energy policy

## Body
### Early Life and Education
James R. Schlesinger was born on February 15, 1929. He received his education at Harvard University and the University of Virginia, where he developed his expertise in economics. His academic background provided the foundation for his later career in government service and academia.

### Academic Career
Schlesinger's academic career involved teaching and research at prestigious institutions. He was affiliated with Harvard University and the University of Virginia, where he contributed to economic theory and policy analysis. His academic work focused on various aspects of economics, including macroeconomic policy and government administration.

### Government Service
Schlesinger's most notable roles were in the U.S. government. He served as the United States Secretary of Defense under President Richard Nixon, where he oversaw major defense policy decisions. Later, he became the United States Secretary of Energy, managing the nation's energy policy and infrastructure. His tenure in these positions allowed him to shape significant aspects of American national security and energy strategy.

### Contributions to Policy
During his time as Secretary of Defense, Schlesinger was involved in key decisions regarding military strategy and defense spending. His work as Secretary of Energy involved managing energy resources and developing policies to address energy needs. These roles positioned him at the center of major policy debates affecting the United States.

### Legacy
James R. Schlesinger's contributions to both government service and academic economics have had lasting impacts. His work in defense and energy policy helped shape the nation's approach to these critical areas. His academic contributions continue to influence economic thought and policy analysis. Schlesinger's career exemplifies the intersection of academic expertise and government leadership.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Find a Grave
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. SNAC
6. Munzinger Personen
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013