Charles E. Wilson
Charles E. Wilson
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Charles Erwin Wilson was an American politician and businessman who served as the 11th United States Secretary of Defense from 1953 to 1957.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: June 3, 1890, in Minerva, Ohio
Died: September 23, 1961, in Washington, D.C.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Wilson was an American citizen with a background in business administration. He served as the chairman of the board for General Motors from 1946 to 1953.
Early Life and Background
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Charles Wilson grew up in a modest household in Minerva, Ohio. His father, Thomas Elmer Wilson, was a farmer and his mother, Mary Erwin Wilson, was a homemaker. Wilson attended high school in his hometown before enrolling at the University of Akron, where he earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
Major Accomplishments
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Wilson had an illustrious career in both business and politics. As chairman of General Motors, he played a crucial role in developing the company into one of the largest industrial corporations in the world. His leadership helped to establish General Motors as a major force in the American economy. In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Wilson as the Secretary of Defense, where he served until his resignation in 1957.
Notable Works or Actions
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During his tenure as Secretary of Defense, Wilson oversaw significant changes within the department, including the establishment of the United States Air Force and the creation of the U.S. Army's ballistic missile program. He also played a key role in developing the Eisenhower Doctrine, which aimed to prevent the spread of communism in the Middle East.
Impact and Legacy
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Wilson's contributions to both business and politics have had a lasting impact on American society. His leadership at General Motors helped shape the modern automotive industry, while his tenure as Secretary of Defense played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era. Today, Wilson is remembered for his dedication to public service and his commitment to advancing the interests of the United States.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Charles E. Wilson's quotes often reflect his pragmatic approach to problem-solving and his emphasis on public service. His most famous quote, "What's good for General Motors is good for the country," has become a symbol of his commitment to private enterprise and its role in shaping American society. Despite controversy surrounding this statement, Wilson remains an important figure in American history, widely quoted and remembered for his leadership and vision.
In conclusion, Charles E. Wilson was a trailblazing leader who made significant contributions to both business and politics. His dedication to public service and his commitment to advancing the interests of the United States have left a lasting impact on American society. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, Wilson's quotes offer valuable insights into the importance of leadership, vision, and public service.
Quotes by Charles E. Wilson
I don't think that Redwood National Park is an appropriate place for a sewage treatment plant. What kind of a message are you sending from this wonderful area up here? We think that we put $2 billion into a park and then we turn it into a sewage treatment plant.
But I have always liked bird dogs rather than kennel-fed dogs myself -- you know, one that will get out and hunt for food rather than sit on his fanny and yell.
When the economy slows, people tend not to go on holiday, but they will spend more on small-ticket items like eating out.
People in, say, Georgia aren't sitting on the front porches singing anymore. They're inside in the air-conditioning, watching cable like everybody else.
It is futile to talk too much about the past . . . like trying to make birth control retroactive.
We've been wearing sweaters and hats. We had plastic put over the windows outside too.
I would have to be the repository of the corporate memory. I would have to make sure what we did the last three years is relevant to what we do in the next three years.
We have never gotten past this round in the playoffs, so the girls are taking this game very seriously. The girls want to get a win, and they will do whatever it takes to get it done.
Our expanding Canadian operations are concrete evidence of General Motors confidence in Canada.
Furthermore, the spirit of enterprise which had its first intellectual development in England has especially flourished here as well as throughout all of Canada, while the same spirit has become less virile in the land of its origin.