Interview with Alben W. Barkley, July 24, 1953

Interview Summary

Alben W. Barkley provides details about a trip that he took to Europe during World War One with other members of Congress. He describes meeting Admiral Hugh Rodman, and King Albert of Belgium. Barkley recalls getting close to the front lines where he experienced artillery shells landing close by, and he describes the devastation that he witnessed in Europe. He tells amusing stories that he heard about American soldiers. Barkley also remembers meeting King Victor Emmanuel and General Diaz of Italy.

Barkley describes his early knowledge of Adolph Hitler. He discusses a meeting with King George of Great Britain, and he recalls Herbert Hoover's presidency. He talks about his campaign for governor of Kentucky in 1923 when gambling was one of the important election issues. He also describes learning about race relations as a young man and sings a song he heard while working in the fields with African American men.

Interview Keyword

Alben Barkley Government politics Public Policy

Interview LC Subject

Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956 Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956--Interviews United States--Politics and government

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.