Edwin L Godkin

Edwin Lawrence Godkin was a unique journalist in the 19^th century. Upon coming to America, he had strong opposing views toward the US government. This made him stand out against the norm of society.

 Born in Ireland, Godkin studied journalism and law at Queens College in Belfast. He learned about British Liberalism, which made him become a strong believer in individuals having the ability to stand on his/her own without any assistance from the government.

Godkin immigrated to America in 1856, claiming that he did not want to be “tied down to a small paper.” He continued to study law in New York City. He then traveled through Europe and wrote for the London Daily News defending the Union while the US battled in the Civil War. He returned to America and was hired as the editor of the Sanitary Commission Bulletin.  From there, Godkin wished to further pursue a journalism career.

Godkin became editor of the magazine, The Nation, when it was first established in 1863. In its weekly issues, he shared his opinions on how the government should be run. Political corruption was a popular topic in the magazine. Lower tariffs and the gold standard were ideas in which Godkin believed in. The Nation gained a lot of publicity, both good and bad. Equal rights activists, along with the majority of Americans, were displeased by what Godkin had to say, whereas the “educated elite” welcomed him.

The Nation merged with a daily newspaper, the New York Evening Post, and Godkin became the editor of both. Both editorials led the Mugwump Party, which heavily opposed Republican candidate James G. Blaine. Though originally being pro-Reoublican, Godkin switched over to the Democratic side and promoted Grover Cleveland as a candidate for present. Cleveland had similar ideas for the government as Godkin, including lover tariffs. Cleveland went on to be elected the first Democratic president after the Civil War.

 Godkin continued to express his political views in the news until he retired in 1899, followed by his death in 1902.

Source used: Ritchie, Donald A. American Journalists: Getting the Story. New York: Oxford UP, 1997. Print. (p. 109-113)