Robert R. McCormick was born on July 30, 1880, in Chicago, Illinois. He came from a prominent newspaper family, with his grandfather Joseph Medill serving as the editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Joseph's brother, Cyrus Hall McCormick, was the inventor of the mechanical reaper, which revolutionized agriculture in the 19th century.
McCormick studied at Yale University before taking on various roles at the Chicago Tribune. He demonstrated his leadership skills and dedication to the newspaper industry from a young age.
During World War I, McCormick served in France and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his bravery and contributions to the war effort. This experience shaped his worldview and instilled in him a sense of duty and patriotism.
After the war, McCormick returned to the Chicago Tribune with renewed energy and vision. He recognized the potential of the newspaper and set out to expand its reach and influence. McCormick's innovative strategies and conservative viewpoint attracted a loyal readership and helped the Chicago Tribune become one of the most influential newspapers in the country.
McCormick's strong editorial policies and memos to staff members helped shape the content and direction of the newspaper. He was known for enforcing simpler spelling rules, such as using "tho" instead of "though" and "thru" instead of "through," in an effort to make the paper more accessible to readers.
McCormick's impact on the Chicago Tribune and the journalism industry at large cannot be overstated. His unwavering dedication to conservative principles and his commitment to upholding journalistic integrity set a high standard for future generations of journalists and publishers.
Throughout his career, McCormick used the Chicago Tribune as a platform to express his views on important national issues. He vocally opposed Prohibition, Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, and the Marshall Plan to aid Europe after World War II, among other contentious topics.
McCormick's legacy lives on through his contributions to the newspaper industry and his role in shaping the conservative viewpoint in American media. His influence continues to be felt today, as journalists and publishers strive to uphold the values of integrity, responsibility, and independence that he exemplified.
Robert R. McCormick passed away on April 1, 1955, leaving behind a lasting legacy of excellence and dedication to the newspaper industry.