Description
Alben Barkley was born in a log cabin in Kentucky, the son of tenant farmers who grew tobacco. He served in both houses of Congress and became the 35th vice president. He was a liberal Democrat who, as Senate majority leader during WWII, gained influence over the administration’s domestic agenda. Tensions developed between Roosevelt and Barkley when he criticized the War Production Board policy of awarding contracts to large companies rather than small businesses. Selected as Truman᾽s V.P. in the 1948 presidential election, Barkley took an active role in the Truman administration, acting as its primary spokesman. In 1952, when Truman announced he would not seek reelection, Alben Barkley began organizing for a presidential campaign, but labor leaders refused to endorse his candidacy because of his age.
The United States Senate and House of Representatives comprise the legislative branch of the U.S. government. Each state has two senators regardless of the state’s population. U.S. senators serve staggered terms of six years. Prior to 1913, senators were appointed by their state legislatures. This changed with the 17th Amendment, which mandated senators be elected by popular vote. The Senate has the power to ratify treaties and to confirm cabinet secretaries, federal judges, Supreme Court justices, and other federal executive officials.
Alben Barkley was a member of the U.S. Senate prior to his election as vice president. Many of the men who become president and vice president first served in Congress as members of the House of Representatives or in the U.S. Senate. A number of these individuals first served in their state government as governor, state senator or in their state House of Representatives.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia-tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
