John Foster Dulles was an American diplomat and politician who served as the Secretary of State under President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 to 1959. He played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War, advocating for a strong stance against the spread of communism. Dulles was known for his belief in the policy of containment and his support for military alliances such as NATO. Dulles was born on February 25, 1888, in Washington, D.C. He came from a prominent family involved in politics and diplomacy. Before his role as Secretary of State, he was a key figure in the formation of the United Nations and served as a legal advisor at the Paris Peace Conference after World War I.