Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government

Allen Dulles was the first director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA),and he played a key role in the development of the agency's clandestine operations. Dulles was also a controversial figure, and he has been accused of involvement in a number of covert operations, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government

by David Talbot

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	30357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	652 pages

FREE

Early Life and Career

Allen Dulles was born in Watertown, New York, on April 7, 1893. He was the son of John Watson Dulles, a Presbyterian minister, and Janet Avery Dulles. Dulles attended Princeton University, where he studied history and politics. After graduating from Princeton, Dulles worked as a lawyer in New York City.

In 1917, Dulles joined the U.S. Army and served in France during World War I. After the war, Dulles returned to New York City and resumed his law practice. In 1926, Dulles was appointed to the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank that played a major role in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

OSS and the CIA

In 1942, Dulles was recruited by William J. Donovan to join the Office of Strategic Services (OSS),the precursor to the CIA. Dulles served as the OSS's chief of operations in Europe during World War II. After the war, Dulles was appointed as the first director of the CIA.

As director of the CIA, Dulles oversaw the development of the agency's clandestine operations. He also played a key role in the development of the National Security Act of 1947, which created the CIA and the National Security Council.

Covert Operations

Dulles is widely credited with being the architect of the CIA's covert operations program. He authorized a number of covert operations, including the overthrow of the Iranian government in 1953 and the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961.

Dulles has also been accused of involvement in a number of other covert operations, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. However, there is no definitive evidence to support these claims.

Legacy

Allen Dulles was a controversial figure, and his legacy is still debated today. Some historians argue that he was a brilliant intelligence officer who played a key role in protecting the United States from its enemies. Others argue that he was a ruthless and ambitious man who was willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goals.

Regardless of one's opinion of Dulles, there is no doubt that he played a major role in the development of the CIA and the rise of America's secret government.

The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government

by David Talbot

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	30357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	652 pages

FREE