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Henry Kissinger

American diplomat and politician

Henry Kissinger, a Jewish refugee from Germany, served as the U.S. secretary of state and national security advisor. Known for Realpolitik, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending the Vietnam War. Kissinger's legacy is marked by both praise for his diplomatic efforts and criticism for controversial U.S. policies he was associated with.

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Timeline

Henry A. Kissinger, Ph.D.

Henry A. Kissinger, a diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was born in 1923.

Birth of Henry Kissinger

Heinz Alfred Kissinger was born on May 27, 1923 in Fuerth, Germany into a Jewish family. His family emigrated to the US in 1938 to escape Nazism.

Henry Kissinger's Naturalization as a US Citizen

Henry Kissinger was naturalized as a United States citizen on June 19, 1943.

Dr. Kissinger assigned to the 84th Infantry Division

In 1944, Dr. Kissinger was assigned to the 84th Infantry Division and sailed from New York to Europe as part of the pursuit phase of the war. He later became a German translator for General Alexander Bolling and volunteered for hazardous counter-intelligence duties during the Battle of the Bulge.

Dr. Kissinger discharged from the Army

After serving in the Counter-Intelligence Corps (CIC) post-World War II, Dr. Kissinger was discharged from the Army with the rank of sergeant. His military service was a significant part of his career, shaping his American identity and boosting his confidence.

Henry Kissinger's Academic Career at Harvard University

After returning home in 1947, Henry Kissinger pursued a successful academic career at Harvard University, eventually becoming a professor of government and international affairs in 1957.

Henry Kissinger's BA Degree from Harvard College

Henry Kissinger received his BA Degree Summa Cum Laude at Harvard College in 1950.

Henry Kissinger's MA Degree from Harvard University

Henry Kissinger received his MA Degree at Harvard University in 1952.

Henry Kissinger's PhD Degree from Harvard University

Henry Kissinger received his PhD Degree at Harvard University in 1954.

Publication of A World Restored

Henry Kissinger's doctoral dissertation, which introduced the concept of 'legitimacy' in international relations, was published as A World Restored. The dissertation focused on the statesmanship of Castlereagh and Metternich and the international system after the Congress of Vienna in 1815.

Woodrow Wilson Prize

Henry Kissinger was awarded the Woodrow Wilson Prize in 1958 for the best book in the fields of government, politics, and international affairs.

Kissinger's First Visit to Vietnam

In 1965, Henry Kissinger visited Vietnam for the first time as a consultant for his friend Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., the Ambassador to Saigon. This visit made Kissinger realize the challenges the United States faced in the Vietnam War.

Kissinger's Second Visit to Vietnam

In 1966, Henry Kissinger visited Vietnam for the second time, further solidifying his understanding that the United States lacked a clear strategy to win or conclude the Vietnam War.

Kissinger's Role as Intermediary in Negotiations

In 1967, Henry Kissinger served as an intermediary in negotiations between the United States and North Vietnam, presenting the American position. This marked an early involvement in diplomatic efforts to end the Vietnam War.

Henry Kissinger appointed as assistant for national security affairs

In December 1968, President Nixon appointed Henry Kissinger as assistant for national security affairs, marking the beginning of his influential role in the Nixon administration.

Expansion of Vietnam War

While engaging in secret negotiations with North Vietnam, Kissinger advised Nixon to escalate the Vietnam War by increasing bombing in North Vietnam and expanding military operations into Cambodia and Laos.

US President Richard Nixon and National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger's Voyage to China

US President Richard Nixon and National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger embarked on a historic voyage to China in February 1972, marking a significant shift in US-China relations during the Cold War era.

United States and China Joint Communiqué

On February 27, 1972, the United States and China issued a joint communiqué after Nixon and Kissinger's visit to the People's Republic. This marked a significant moment in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Cease-fire agreement in Vietnam

On January 23, 1973, Henry Kissinger initialed a cease-fire agreement in Paris, outlining the withdrawal of U.S. troops and setting the stage for a permanent peace settlement between North and South Vietnam.

Kissinger Becomes Secretary of State

Henry Kissinger assumes the role of Secretary of State in 1973.

Henry Kissinger appointed as Secretary of State

Henry Kissinger was appointed as the Secretary of State on September 23, 1973 by President Richard M. Nixon. This appointment made him the first person to serve as both Secretary of State and National Security Adviser.

Le Duc Tho declines Nobel Peace Prize

Le Duc Tho declined the Nobel Peace Prize that he was awarded jointly with Henry Kissinger for their efforts in negotiating a ceasefire during the Vietnam War.

Kissinger's Meeting with King Faisal

On November 7, 1973, Henry Kissinger flew to Riyadh to meet King Faisal of Saudi Arabia to ask him to end the oil embargo in exchange for promising to be 'even handed' in the Arab-Israeli dispute. Despite Kissinger's efforts, Faisal refused to lift the oil embargo.

Kissinger's Involvement in Argentina's National Reorganization Process

In June 1976, Kissinger allegedly gave the Argentine military junta the 'green light' for their clandestine repression against leftwing guerrillas and dissidents, leading to brutal reprisals and disappearances. He urged them to act quickly before facing potential sanctions from the U.S. Congress.

Kissinger's Role in Negotiations for Rhodesian Bush War

In September 1976, Kissinger played an active role in pressuring Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith to expedite the transition to black majority rule in Rhodesia. His involvement, along with other international pressure, contributed to the end of white minority rule in Rhodesia.

Henry Kissinger's term as Secretary of State ends

Henry Kissinger served as the Secretary of State from September 23, 1973 to January 20, 1977. His term ended when President Nixon left office.

Kissinger's Support for Argentina's Military Dictatorship

Kissinger hindered the Carter administration's efforts to stop the mass killings by the 1976–1983 military dictatorship in Argentina. He visited the country as a guest of President Videla to attend the 1978 FIFA World Cup and praised the regime.

Full Normalization of Relations with China

Full normalization of relations with China occurred in 1979, following Kissinger's earlier diplomatic efforts and the establishment of 'liaison offices' between the two countries.

Years of Upheaval

Memoirs by Henry Kissinger, covering the period from January 1973 to the resignation of President Nixon, providing insights into the events during that time.

Medal of Liberty

In 1986, Henry Kissinger was awarded the Medal of Liberty for his dedication to promoting freedom and peace on a global scale.

Publication of Diplomacy

In 1994, Henry Kissinger published 'Diplomacy', a book that has been considered essential for the study of international affairs and U.S. diplomacy.

Civil proceedings against Kissinger by relatives and survivors of General Rene Schneider

Relatives and survivors of General Rene Schneider filed civil proceedings against Kissinger in federal court in Washington, DC, but the suit was later dismissed.

Petition for Kissinger's arrest filed in the High Court in London

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell filed a petition for Kissinger's arrest in the High Court in London, citing the destruction of civilian populations and the environment in Indochina during the years 1969–1975. The petition was rejected one day after filing.

Creation of Nuclear Threat Initiative

Henry Kissinger, along with William Perry, Sam Nunn, and George Shultz, established the Nuclear Threat Initiative to advocate for a world free of nuclear weapons.

Publication of On China

In 2011, Henry Kissinger published 'On China', a book that provides insights into China and its relations with the world.

Henry Kissinger's 95th Birthday and Chair Establishment

On his 95th birthday, Henry Kissinger was honored with the establishment of the Henry Kissinger Chair at Friedrich Wilhelms University Bonn for his strategic foresight and diplomatic contributions.

Kissinger warns about AI and nuclear weapons

In 2019, Henry Kissinger expressed concerns about the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) in controlling nuclear weapons, highlighting the risks of giving power to computers to make decisions in warfare scenarios.

Henry Kissinger advocates for diplomatic settlement on Russian invasion of Ukraine

In May 2022, Kissinger spoke at the World Economic Forum, suggesting a diplomatic solution to the Russian invasion of Ukraine by restoring the status quo ante bellum. He recommended ceding Crimea and parts of Donbas to Russian control, urging Ukrainians to show wisdom in their actions.

Henry Kissinger discusses ceasefire and territorial issues in Ukraine

During a book tour in July 2022, Kissinger clarified his stance on the Ukraine conflict, supporting a ceasefire line on the borders of February 24. He emphasized that Ukraine should not give up territory it had before the war started.

Kissinger emphasizes U.S. support and ceasefire in Ukraine

In January 18, 2023, Kissinger highlighted the need for intensified U.S. support until the February 24 borders are reached or recognized in Ukraine. He advocated for maintaining sanctions until a final settlement is achieved.

Death of Henry Kissinger

Henry Kissinger passed away at the age of 100 due to heart failure at his home in Kent, Connecticut. He was the last living former U.S. Cabinet member from the Richard Nixon administration.

End of the Timeline
Henry Kissinger

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