Albert Sidney Burleson

Albert Sidney Burleson
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Name	Albert Sidney Burleson
Office	45th United States Postmaster General
President	Woodrow Wilson
Term start	March 5, 1913
Term end	March 4, 1921
Predecessor	Frank Harris Hitchcock
Successor	Will H. Hays

Albert Sidney Burleson was a prominent American politician who served as the 45th United States Postmaster General under Woodrow Wilson. Born in Austin, Texas, Burleson was a member of the Democratic Party and played a significant role in shaping the country's postal system, as well as its wartime efforts during World War I. He worked closely with notable figures such as William Jennings Bryan, Josephus Daniels, and Newton Diehl Baker. Burleson's tenure as Postmaster General was marked by significant reforms, including the introduction of parcels post and the expansion of rural free delivery services, which were supported by Robert Marion La Follette and George Norris.

Early life and education

Burleson was born on June 7, 1863, in Austin, Texas, to a family of modest means. He attended Baylor University and later graduated from Texas A&M University, where he developed strong connections with John Sharp and Lawrence Sullivan Ross. Burleson's early life was influenced by his family's involvement in Texas politics, particularly his father's association with Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin. He began his career as a teacher and later became a lawyer, practicing in Austin, Texas, and interacting with notable figures such as Oscar Branch Colquitt and Coke Stevenson.

Political career

Burleson's entry into politics was marked by his election to the Texas House of Representatives in 1889, where he served alongside Charles Culberson and James Stephen Hogg. He later became a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Texas's 10th congressional district from 1899 to 1913. During his tenure in Congress, Burleson worked closely with prominent politicians such as William Randolph Hearst, Joseph G. Cannon, and Champ Clark. He was a strong supporter of progressive reforms, including the 16th Amendment and the 17th Amendment, which were championed by Theodore Roosevelt and Robert La Follette.

Postmaster General

As Postmaster General, Burleson implemented significant reforms, including the introduction of airmail services, which were supported by Calbraith Perry Rodgers and Glenn Curtiss. He also expanded the postal savings system, which was modeled after the Japanese postal savings system and was influenced by the work of Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George. Burleson's efforts to modernize the postal system were recognized by The New York Times and The Washington Post, and he worked closely with Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt to address issues related to mail delivery and postal rates.

World War I and censorship

During World War I, Burleson played a crucial role in implementing censorship measures, working closely with George Creel and the Committee on Public Information. He was responsible for monitoring mail and telegraph communications, and his efforts were supported by J. Edgar Hoover and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Burleson's actions were influenced by the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918, which were signed into law by Woodrow Wilson and were aimed at preventing the spread of seditious materials and anti-war propaganda. He worked with Theodore Roosevelt and Elihu Root to address issues related to national security and civil liberties.

Later life and death

After leaving office in 1921, Burleson returned to Texas and resumed his law practice, interacting with notable figures such as John Nance Garner and Sam Rayburn. He remained involved in Texas politics and was a strong supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal. Burleson died on November 24, 1937, in Austin, Texas, and was remembered for his significant contributions to the development of the United States Postal Service and his role in shaping the country's wartime efforts during World War I. His legacy was recognized by The Texas State Historical Association and The United States Postal Service, and he was honored by Lyndon B. Johnson and Hubert Humphrey for his service to the nation. Category:United States Postmasters General