A Czech-American captain and politician who served as the 44th Mayor of Chicago, known for his strong leadership and efforts to reform the city's government. He's also infamous for being assassinated in 1933, allegedly in an attempt to kill President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Anton Cermak is perhaps best known for being the 44th mayor of Chicago, Illinois, a position he held from April 7, 1931, until his untimely death on March 6, 1933. What's more, his assassination was a result of a failed attempt on President Franklin D. Roosevelt's life, making Cermak an unlikely martyr in American political history.
Cermak was born on May 9, 1873, in Kladno, Austria-Hungary (now part of the Czech Republic) to Antonín Čermák and Kateřina Franková. In 1874, his family immigrated to the United States, settling in Braidwood, Illinois. Cermak's early life was marked by hard work, starting as a teenager in the coal mines of Will and Grundy counties.
After moving to Chicago at 16, Cermak worked various jobs, including as a tow boy for the horse-drawn streetcar line and as a horse tender in the Pilsen neighborhood. He supplemented his education by attending evening high school and business college classes. This dedication to self-improvement eventually led to his entry into politics.
Cermak's political trajectory began as a Democratic Party precinct captain. In 1902, he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, followed by two terms as alderman of the 12th Ward (1909-1912 and 1919-1922). His experience in municipal government jobs, including as a clerk in the city police court and as a bailiff for the Municipal Court of Chicago, further solidified his political foundation.
In addition to his political pursuits, Cermak was a shrewd businessman. After saving enough money, he bought his own horse and cart, eventually expanding into a haulage business. His business ventures also included interests in real estate, insurance, and banking.
Cermak's life was cut short when he was assassinated on February 15, 1933, while attending a ceremony in Miami, Florida, where President Roosevelt was also present. A bystander's quick thinking, hitting the perpetrator with a purse, likely saved the President's life, but unfortunately, the bullet struck Cermak instead.
Cermak's rise to power, marked by his immigrant background and self-made entrepreneurial spirit, resonated with the people of Chicago. His untimely death not only shocked the nation but also cemented his place in American political history. Today, Cermak's legacy serves as a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the American Dream.
Born in 1902
The 48th Mayor of Chicago, a dominant figure in American politics, known for his strong leadership and machine-style politics that shaped the city's development. He played a crucial role in the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Born in 1922
The first African American Mayor of Chicago, serving from 1983 until his death in 1987, known for his progressive policies and efforts to reform the city's government.
93 Years Old
The first female Mayor of Chicago, serving from 1979 to 1983, known for her efforts to revitalize the city's economy and infrastructure. She was a pioneering figure in Chicago politics.
