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The Trailblazing Columnist Who Stood Washington On Its Head

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In the male-dominated world of early 20th-century American journalism, Dorothy Thompson emerged as a trailblazing figure. Armed with her incisive wit, fearless reporting, and an unwavering commitment to truth-telling, she shattered the glass ceiling for women in the field and left an enduring mark on the nation's political landscape.

Mary McGrory: The Trailblazing Columnist Who Stood Washington on Its Head

by John Norris

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	341 pages

Early Life and Education

Dorothy Thompson was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1893. A precocious child with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, she excelled in her studies and graduated with honors from Syracuse University in 1914. After working as a freelance writer and editor, she moved to Europe in 1920, eager to witness firsthand the transformative events unfolding in the aftermath of World War I.

Journey to Journalism

Thompson's time in Europe proved pivotal in shaping her journalistic career. She reported on the rise of Nazi Germany, the Spanish Civil War, and the growing tensions that would eventually lead to the outbreak of World War II. Her dispatches, published in prestigious American newspapers such as The New York Times and The Saturday Evening Post, were widely read and highly influential.

A Columnist's Voice

In 1936, Thompson returned to the United States and began writing a syndicated column, "On the Record," which quickly gained a national following. Through her column, she dissected the political machinations of Washington, D.C., with unmatched clarity and wit. She fearlessly challenged corrupt practices, denounced isolationist policies, and advocated for social justice.

Truth-Telling to Power

Thompson's columns often drew the ire of powerful politicians and government officials. Her unwavering commitment to truth-telling made her a thorn in the side of both the Roosevelt and Truman administrations. She accused President Franklin D. Roosevelt of appeasing Nazi Germany in the run-up to World War II, and she criticized President Harry S. Truman's decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan.

A Pulitzer Prize Winner

Despite facing significant opposition and even threats, Thompson remained steadfast in her mission to hold those in power accountable. In 1949, she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Journalism for her "distinguished reporting on national affairs." It was a fitting recognition for her tireless efforts to inform and enlighten the American public.

Legacy and Impact

Dorothy Thompson's legacy extends far beyond the pages of her newspaper columns. She paved the way for women in journalism, demonstrating that they could wield their voices with equal force and authority as their male counterparts. Her courageous reporting helped shape public opinion on critical issues of the day, and her unwavering commitment to truth-telling set a high standard for generations of journalists to come.

Personal Life and Later Years

Dorothy Thompson was married three times. Her first marriage, to a Hungarian writer named Josef Wittlin, ended in divorce. In 1928, she married Sinclair Lewis, the renowned American novelist. Their marriage was a stormy one, and they divorced in 1942. In 1945, she married Maxim Kopf, a lawyer, who remained her husband until her death in 1961.

In her later years, Thompson continued to write and lecture, sharing her insights on current events and the challenges facing American society. She also worked as a commentator on television and radio. Dorothy Thompson died in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1961, at the age of 67.

A Lasting Inspiration

Dorothy Thompson remains a towering figure in American journalism history. Her fearless reporting, incisive wit, and unwavering commitment to truth-telling continue to inspire journalists and truth-seekers alike. Her legacy as a trailblazing woman who stood Washington on its head is a testament to the power of one voice in shaping the course of history.

Black And White Portrait Of Dorothy Thompson, A Middle Aged Woman With Short, Dark Hair, Wearing A Fur Coat And A Determined Expression. Mary McGrory: The Trailblazing Columnist Who Stood Washington On Its Head