James G. Blaine was a late 19th century Republican politician who twice served as Secretary of State. One of the most prominent American politicians of his era, he had served as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and as a member of the United States Senate prior to his selection as the Secretary of State. He was also a presidential aspirant who unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for President in 1876 and 1880 before being nominated in 1884. However, he was ultimately unable to achieve his long held dream of becoming the President of America. Born in the western Pennsylvania town of West Brownsville, he grew up to be a brilliant student blessed with great oratory skills. He graduated from Washington & Jefferson College with excellent grades and embarked on a teaching career which he held for several years before entering politics. A charismatic man, he was equally successful in his political career as a Republican and represented Maine in the U.S. House of Representatives before serving as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Even though he was unsuccessful in becoming the president, he occupied a very important position in American politics as he served as Secretary of State twice. He is credited to have played a major role in the establishment of the United States' acquisition of Pacific colonies and dominance of the Caribbean.