Bio
Lewis Williams Douglas (1894–1974) was an American politician, diplomat, businessman, and academic, known for his influential roles in both government and private sectors. Born into a prominent family in Arizona, Douglas was educated at Hackley School, Montclair Academy, and Amherst College, where he developed a passion for economics. After a brief stint at MIT studying mining engineering, he served as an artillery officer during World War I, earning the Belgian Croix de Guerre for heroism.
After the war, Douglas pursued a career in politics, being elected to the Arizona State House of Representatives in 1922 and later serving as a U.S. Congressman from Arizona. A fiscally conservative Democrat, he gained a reputation for advocating balanced budgets and opposing excessive government spending. In 1933, he was appointed Director of the Bureau of the Budget under President Franklin D. Roosevelt but resigned in 1934 due to disagreements over New Deal policies.
Douglas went on to a successful career in business and academia, becoming vice president of American Cyanamid and later serving as principal of McGill University in Canada. During World War II, he held various government roles, including Deputy Administrator of the War Shipping Administration.
In 1947, Douglas was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, playing a key role in the implementation of the Marshall Plan. After his ambassadorship, he retired to Arizona, where he remained active in business and politics until his death in 1974. His legacy includes significant contributions to both the public and private sectors.
