The Chicago Tribune is one of the most famous newspapers in America. It was founded in 1847 and is self-styled as “The World’s Greatest Newspaper.” It has a rich history of controversy and has often strayed from the political center.
In the twentieth century, the Tribune shifted toward a more moderate editorial stance. It also launched WGN radio and WGN television.
Founded in 1847-Chicago Tribune
The Tribune is one of the oldest continuously published newspapers in the United States. It was founded in 1847, under the name “The Chicago Daily News,” by Joseph Medill and Cyrus McCormick. Its first home was a room over Gray’s grocery store on Clark street. Its offices were destroyed in a fire on May 22, 1849, and the paper was temporarily suspended.
The paper quickly became known for its thorough coverage of commerce, industry, agriculture, and social life in the city and region. It also took a strong stand on public affairs, investigating corruption and backing reform candidates. It became a leader in the fight against machine politics, and its editorials attacked Democratic and Republican politicians alike.
By the end of the Civil War, the Tribune was the leading newspaper in the nation and had become a major voice for American conservatism. The paper promoted the idea that the people should be able to “consent to be governed” only when they had full information about their government.
The Chicago Tribune continued to grow during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, and was instrumental in exposing the Chicago Black Sox scandal that led to the removal of 79 election judges and precinct captains. The newspaper also helped organize the Industrial Workers of the World, a union that would later win the Pulitzer Prize for its series on labor conditions in the Chicago stockyards.
Founded by Joseph Medill
Joseph Medill was a highly skilled and ambitious newspaper editor. He possessed an irascible temperament and a talent for polished invective, but his writings also displayed an extraordinary power of eloquence. He had considerable influence on the editorial policy of The Tribune, and he helped to shape the Republican Party’s platform. He was a strong proponent of free-soil and abolitionist views. He was a key advocate for Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War, and he called repeatedly for reforms in government.
The Tribune had been founded in 1847, but was close to bankruptcy in 1855 when Joseph Medill and five partners bought it. He quickly turned the paper around, and it became one of the most influential early advocates of Abraham Lincoln for the presidency. It also gained stature for its coverage of the American Civil War, as well as its calls for government reforms after the war.
The newspaper was known for its liberal perspective and its focus on political corruption. It was especially influential in the 1920s, when it opposed Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, and in 1950 when it denounced Dwight Eisenhower’s candidacy. However, the newspaper’s outlook became more conservative during the McCormick years. The Chicago Tribune has traditionally promoted the principles of limited government and maximum individual responsibility, and it is suspicious of untested ideas.
Founded by Cyrus McCormick
A shrewd businessman, McCormick built an empire that included newspaper properties across the United States. He also founded the Chicago Cubs baseball team and the WGN radio and television station, which helped shape the national character of Chicago. In addition, McCormick was involved in a number of legal cases regarding freedom of the press and is known for his support of First Amendment rights.
He was a leading opponent of the United States entering World War II and of the increase in federal power brought about by the New Deal. He advocated a right-wing, traditionalist course that was idiosyncratic and out of step with the mainstream. His editorials were critical of unions, Democrats and liberal Republicans, as well as gangsters and racketeers. He also launched crusades against prohibition and British imperialism.
The Tribune was sued for libel by the city of Chicago, but won a case that established a precedent protecting the newspaper’s right to criticize government policies. It was the first newspaper to publish all 246,000 words of the Watergate tapes, and the newspaper helped bring about Nixon’s resignation.
McCormick’s grandchildren include Tribune founder Joseph Medill, who became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and later a member of the Senate. His great-granddaughter Alicia Patterson is the founder and editor of Newsday. He also bought and renovated a large estate in Wheaton, Illinois, which was later named Cantigny after his granddaughter.
Founded by James Keeley
The collection includes photocopies of transcripts of letters to Keeley, galley proofs of speeches, an untitled manuscript by Keeley concerning international peace and a single photograph of Keeley. The manuscripts, notes and clippings relate to his coverage of World War I from Europe. The collection also contains miscellaneous periodicals and a few invitations sent to Keeley.
The Tribune’s circulation soared in less than three months to 3,000 daily and 1,000 weekly, which was considered remarkable for that time. The paper introduced copper-faced type and a Hoe steam press, which made it more competitive with Hearst’s Herald-Examiner in a circulation war. It added advice columns and homegrown comic strips such as Little Orphan Annie and Moon Mullins, as well as promoted political crusades.
By the end of the century, the newspaper was leading its industry in both size and influence. It was the first to investigate the alleged electoral corruption of 79 election judges and precinct captains, which eventually led to the resignation of Governor George Ryan. It was also the first to report on allegations of sexual abuse by Catholic priests, which led to the resignation of Pope Paul VI and prompted the Vatican to open its archives.
The newspaper was also credited with revolutionizing television news reporting, and its coverage of the Watergate scandal helped lead to Nixon’s resignation. In addition, the newspaper was a pioneer in online publishing and launched CLTV, the city’s first all-news 24-hour cable channel.
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