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dc.contributor.advisorProcter, Ben H.
dc.contributor.authorBeasley, Mark Williamen_US
dc.date.accessioned2019-10-11T15:10:57Z
dc.date.available2019-10-11T15:10:57Z
dc.date.created1997en_US
dc.date.issued1997en_US
dc.identifieraleph-775200en_US
dc.identifierMicrofilm Diss. 689.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://repository.tcu.edu/handle/116099117/33631
dc.description.abstractOn January 6, 1987, Representative Jim Wright was sworn in as the forty-eighth speaker of the House of Representatives, after serving in Congress for thirty-two years, the last decade as Majority Leader. This biography of Jim Wright, which covers his early years (1922-1963), demonstrates that each stage of his life helped him prepare for a life of public service and eventual leadership. The years before Wright entered Congress in 1955 were pivotal to his development. His parents provided an atmosphere that championed a quest after knowledge, a tolerant religious faith, a pride in self and family, and a desire for achievement. Experiences during the Great Depression and his high school years motivated him to seek a seat in Congress, a single-minded ambition that propelled him through his college years and service in World War II. Wright, returning to civilian life still intent on public service, gained a valuable political education during his one term in the Texas House of Representatives in 1947. After his 1948 defeat for reelection to the state legislature Wright briefly considered a business career, but he again chose public service; he became mayor of Weatherford (1950-1954) and further honed his political skills. In 1954 he fulfilled his high school goal with his election to Congress. During his first eight years in Congress (1955-1963) Wright strove to make a difference and, in the process, acquired interests which he carried forward throughout his career. He labored intensively to demonstrate his effectiveness as a legislator both to his colleagues and his constituents. He proved indefatigable as a "team player" for the Democratic Party and continually endeavored to achieve a prominent role in government. His work on the Public Works Committee led Wright to advocate "pay-as-you-go" interstate highways, water pollution controls, and the development of water resources. Latin America became another equally important interest. And he gained a reputation for working diligently on behalf of his district. Eventually, Jim Wright attained recognition and higher office, his early life and first years in Congress serving as a prelude to leadership.
dc.format.extentviii, 365 leavesen_US
dc.format.mediumFormat: Printen_US
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.relation.ispartofTexas Christian University dissertationen_US
dc.relation.ispartofAS38.B4en_US
dc.subject.lcshWright, Jim, 1922-en_US
dc.titlePrelude to leadership: Jim Wright, 1922-1963en_US
dc.typeTexten_US
etd.degree.departmentDepartment of History
etd.degree.levelDoctoral
local.collegeAddRan College of Liberal Arts
local.departmentHistory
local.academicunitDepartment of History
dc.type.genreDissertation
local.subjectareaHistory
dc.identifier.callnumberMain Stacks: AS38 .B4 (Regular Loan)
dc.identifier.callnumberSpecial Collections: AS38 .B4 (Non-Circulating)
etd.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy
etd.degree.grantorTexas Christian University


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