## Biography of Joseph Pulitzer
### 1. Early Life
Joseph Pulitzer was born on April 10, 1847, in Mako, Hungary, now part of present-day Serbia. He was the eldest son of Fülöp Pulitzer and Louise Berger. Pulitzer's early life was marked by hardship; his family was affluent but his father’s death and the family’s subsequent financial troubles left them in difficult circumstances. Seeking a better future, Pulitzer emigrated to the United States in 1864 at the age of 17. He initially enlisted in the Union Army during the American Civil War, serving in the Lincoln Cavalry, a unit that primarily consisted of German immigrants.
### 2. Career
After the war, Pulitzer moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he began his career in journalism. He started as a reporter for the Westliche Post, a German-language daily, where he honed his skills and developed a keen sense for news that resonated with the everyday citizen. His aggressive and dynamic approach to journalism caught the eye of the industry, and in 1878, he purchased the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Under Pulitzer's leadership, the Post-Dispatch pioneered a style of investigative journalism that would later define his legacy.
In 1883, Pulitzer took his ambitions to New York City, where he acquired the New York World from Jay Gould. Transforming the World into a leading publication, he used sensational news coverage – which some criticized as "yellow journalism" – to champion the causes of the common people. His battles against corruption and advocacy for the underdog greatly increased the paper’s circulation.
### 3. Notable Achievements
Pulitzer's most notable achievements lie in his contributions to the field of journalism and the establishment of the Pulitzer Prizes. He was a pioneer of the "New Journalism," which emphasized sensational news to attract readers, yet he also insisted on thoroughness and accuracy. His innovations include the introduction of games, comics, and serialized stories in newspapers.
However, his most enduring legacy is the founding of the Pulitzer Prizes, established by his bequest after his death. First awarded in 1917, the prizes are given annually to honor excellence in journalism, literature, and musical composition within the United States. This initiative stemmed from his commitment to recognizing and fostering talent and excellence in the field.
### 4. Personal Life
Pulitzer married
Kate-Davis in 1878, with whom he had seven children. Despite his successful career, Pulitzer's personal life was marked by bouts of poor health, which affected his eyesight and mental health. His later years were spent in near isolation due to his health problems, though he remained actively involved in the management of his newspapers through correspondence.
Joseph Pulitzer died on October 29, 1911, aboard his yacht in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina. His legacy continues through the prestigious awards named after him and his impact on the field of journalism.
### Related People
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Kate-Davis: Pulitzer's supportive wife who managed their family through his frequent health crises and absences related to business.
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Jay-Gould: A prominent railroad developer and speculator from whom Pulitzer bought the New York World.
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William-Randolph-Hearst: Pulitzer’s rival in the newspaper industry, who also played a significant role in developing sensationalist journalism.
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Albert-Pulitzer: Joseph’s brother, who worked with him in the newspaper business but eventually parted ways due to personal and professional conflicts.
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Carl-Schurz: A fellow German immigrant, influential in St. Louis politics and journalism, who initially helped Pulitzer get his start in the American press.
Joseph Pulitzer’s life and career were marked by remarkable transformations and enduring contributions to journalism and American public life. His visionary approach to news reporting and his philanthropic legacy continue to influence generations long after his passing.