John Foster Dulles

author

John Foster Dulles

1888–1959

A central figure in Cold War diplomacy, he helped shape U.S. foreign policy during the Eisenhower years and became one of the best-known secretaries of state of the 20th century. His career stretched from international law and treaty work to some of the most tense global crises of the 1950s.

1 Audiobook

The Communist Threat in the Taiwan Area

The Communist Threat in the Taiwan Area

by John Foster Dulles, Dwight D. (Dwight David) Eisenhower

About the author

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1888, John Foster Dulles built his early career as a lawyer and foreign-policy adviser before moving into high public office. He came from a family deeply connected to American diplomacy, and over time he became known for his sharp anti-communist views and his belief that the United States should take a firm stand against Soviet expansion.

Dulles served as U.S. secretary of state under President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 until 1959. In that role, he was closely associated with the strategy of containing communism, strengthening alliances, and using diplomacy backed by military power. His name is often linked to major Cold War flashpoints, including tensions in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

He died in 1959, the same year he left office. Remembered as an influential and controversial statesman, Dulles remains an important figure in the story of postwar American foreign policy.