Historic 1915 Portrait of a U.S. Attorney General

This photograph features Homer S. Cummings, an influential figure in American politics, captured by the Bain News Service on March 4, 1915. Cummings served as the Attorney General of the United States from 1933 to 1939 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. His tenure came during a crucial period in American history marked by the Great Depression, when the government took significant steps to reform the economy and expand social welfare programs.

Before assuming his role as Attorney General, Cummings had a notable career in public service and law. He was involved in various civic and political activities, which helped shape his views on legal reform and civil rights. His leadership was instrumental in advancing key legislation during the New Deal era and addressing issues related to crime and law enforcement, especially in the context of national recovery.

The image itself reflects a moment captured in time, embodying an era characterized by political change and the pivotal role of legal frameworks in shaping American society. Cummings’s contributions to the legal landscape helped pave the way for future reforms and served as a foundation for the expansion of federal authority during times of national crisis.