Hugh S. Johnson
Hugh S. Johnson | |
|---|---|
Portrait by Harris & Ewing c. 1918–1919 | |
| Administrator of the National Recovery Administration | |
| In office June 13, 1933 – September 24, 1934 | |
| Appointed by | Franklin D. Roosevelt |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Donald Richberg |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Hugh Samuel Johnson August 5, 1882 Fort Scott, Kansas, U.S. |
| Died | April 15, 1942 (aged 59) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Spouse | Helen Kilbourne |
| Education | University of California, Berkeley (J.D.) |
| Nickname | "Iron Pants" |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1903–1919 |
| Rank | Brigadier general |
| Unit | Cavalry Branch |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
Hugh Samuel Johnson (August 5, 1882 – April 15, 1942) was a United States Army officer, businessman, speech writer, government official and newspaper columnist. He was a member of the Brain Trust of Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1932 to 1934. He wrote numerous speeches for FDR and helped plan the New Deal. Appointed head of the National Recovery Administration (NRA) in 1933, he was highly energetic in his "blue eagle" campaign to reorganize American business to reduce competition and raise wages and prices. Schlesinger (1958) and Ohl (1985) conclude that he was an excellent organizer, but that he was also domineering, abusive, outspoken, and unable to work harmoniously with his peers. He lost control of the NRA in August 1934.