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Joseph Pulitzer

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Joseph Pulitzer was a famous newspaper publisher and politician.

Pulitzer
Pulitzer

He was born in Makó, Hungary, in 1847. His family was once quite wealthy and respected. However, his father's business went bankrupt after Joseph was young. This left the family with very little money. Joseph tried to join many different armies for work. He eventually traveled to America to find a new life.

Joseph Pulitzer 3c 1947 issue U.S. stamp
Joseph Pulitzer 3c 1947 issue U.S. stamp

In 1864, Joseph joined the Union Army to fight in the American Civil War. He was only 17 years old when he arrived in Boston. He did not speak much English at that time. He served in the 1st New York Cavalry Regiment. After the war ended in 1865, he struggled to find his way. He once slept in wagons on the streets of New York. He even sold his only possession, a white handkerchief, for 75 cents.

Joseph Pulitzer age 23
Joseph Pulitzer age 23

Joseph eventually moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to start over. He worked many difficult jobs to survive. He worked as a mule hostler and a waiter. He spent his free time studying English at a library. He also studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1868. Soon, he became a reporter for the Westliche Post. He was a very hard worker and often worked sixteen hours a day.

Joseph Pulitzer, Pres. Press Publishing Co
Joseph Pulitzer, Pres. Press Publishing Co

His success in news led him into the world of politics. At age 22, he was elected as a state representative in Missouri. He was a very energetic campaigner. Later, he moved to New York City to run major newspapers. He ran the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the New York World. In the 1890s, he competed with William Randolph Hearst. Their rivalry led to a style of news called yellow journalism. This style used bold stories to attract a million readers every day.

PulitzerHearstWarYellowKids
PulitzerHearstWarYellowKids

Joseph Pulitzer left a lasting legacy through his kindness to others. He left money in his will to help people learn. This gift helped start the Columbia School of Journalism in 1912. He also created the Pulitzer Prizes. These awards are given every year to honor excellence. They recognize great work in journalism, photography, and many arts.

Pulitzer
Pulitzer

His name is still used to celebrate the best writers and artists today.

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🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:Joseph Pulitzer age 23.png
Joseph Pulitzer age 23.png
File:Pulitzer.jpg
Pulitzer.jpg
File:PulitzerGlass.jpg
PulitzerGlass.jpg
File:PulitzerHearstWarYellowKids.jpg
PulitzerHearstWarYellowKids.jpg
File:Joseph Pulitzer, Pres. Press Publishing Co.jpg
Joseph Pulitzer, Pres. Press Publishing Co.jpg
File:Grave of Joseph Pulitzer.JPG
Grave of Joseph Pulitzer.JPG
File:Joseph Pulitzer 3c 1947 issue U.S. stamp.jpg
Joseph Pulitzer 3c 1947 issue U.S. stamp.jpg
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