A conservative Republican, he was one of the most influential shapers of public opinion from the 1920s to his death. In 1941 he proclaimed the "American Century,"—the American mission to spread democracy, freedom and capitalism and prosperity. | A conservative Republican, he was one of the most influential shapers of public opinion from the 1920s to his death. In 1941 he proclaimed the "American Century,"—the American mission to spread democracy, freedom and capitalism and prosperity. |