James G. Blaine was an American politician and statesman who served as the Secretary of State under Presidents James A. Garfield and Benjamin Harrison. He was a prominent figure in the late 19th century and played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to Latin America. Blaine was also a key leader in the Republican Party and ran for the presidency three times, although he was never elected. His efforts to promote American influence abroad included the Pan-American Conference, which aimed to foster cooperation among nations in the Americas.