Oscar Underwood

Oscar Underwood was a prominent American politician from Alabama who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives and later the United States Senate. A leader of the Democratic Party, he was the first official House Majority Leader and later became the Senate Minority Leader. Underwood is best remembered for his pivotal role in crafting the Revenue Act of 1913, which established the modern federal income tax following the ratification of the Sixteenth Amendment, and for his unsuccessful campaign for the 1924 Democratic presidential nomination.

Early life and education

Oscar Wilder Underwood was born in Louisville, Kentucky, to a family with roots in Virginia. After his father's business failed during the Panic of 1873, the family relocated to St. Paul, Minnesota. He attended Racine College in Wisconsin before studying law at the University of Virginia School of Law. Admitted to the bar in 1884, he moved to Birmingham, Alabama, which was then experiencing a rapid industrial boom, to establish his legal practice. In Birmingham, he became involved in local Democratic politics and business circles, laying the foundation for his future career.

Political career

Underwood was elected to the United States House of Representatives from Alabama's 9th district in 1896, entering Congress as a staunch advocate for Southern economic interests, including low tariffs. His legislative skill and moderation led his colleagues to elect him as the first officially designated House Majority Leader in 1911. In this role, he worked closely with President Woodrow Wilson to advance the New Freedom agenda. His most significant achievement was steering the Revenue Act of 1913 through Congress, which implemented the constitutional income tax. He also helped pass the Federal Reserve Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act.

Senate leadership and legislative achievements

Elected to the United States Senate in 1914, Underwood continued to be a powerful figure, eventually serving as Senate Minority Leader from 1920 to 1923. A conservative Bourbon Democrat, he was a steadfast opponent of Prohibition and the Ku Klux Klan. He played a key role in the Washington Naval Conference of 1921–1922, supporting the naval disarmament treaties. However, his internationalist stance on issues like the League of Nations and his opposition to high protective tariffs often placed him at odds with more isolationist and populist elements within his own party and region.

1924 presidential campaign

Underwood launched a campaign for the 1924 Democratic presidential nomination, positioning himself as a conservative, anti-Klan candidate. His platform emphasized tariff reduction and the repeal of Prohibition. The campaign was notably hindered by the powerful opposition of the Ku Klux Klan, which had revived in strength during the early 1920s. At the tumultuous 1924 Democratic National Convention in New York City, a resolution condemning the Klan failed by a narrow vote, severely damaging Underwood's prospects. The convention deadlocked for 103 ballots before nominating John W. Davis.

Later life and death

Following his defeat at the 1924 Democratic National Convention and his decision not to seek re-election to the United States Senate in 1926, Underwood retired from national politics. He returned to his law practice and business interests. In his final years, he authored the historical work Drifting Sands of Party Politics. He died of cerebral hemorrhage complications at his estate, "Woodlawn," in Accotink, Virginia, and was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in Washington, D.C..

Category:1862 births Category:1929 deaths Category:Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Alabama Category:Democratic Party United States senators from Alabama Category:United States Senate minority leaders Category:University of Virginia School of Law alumni