Cordell Hull

Cordell Hull (October 2, 1871 – July 23, 1955) was an American politician and diplomat who served as the United States Secretary of State from 1933 to 1944 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He is best known for his role in establishing the United Nations and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945 for his efforts in promoting international peace and cooperation.

Early Life and Education

Cordell Hull was born in a log cabin in Olympus, Tennessee, the third of five sons of William Paschal Hull and Mary Elizabeth Riley Hull. He attended local schools and later graduated from the National Normal University in Lebanon, Ohio. Hull studied law at Cumberland School of Law in Lebanon, Tennessee, and was admitted to the bar in 1891.

Political Career

Hull began his political career as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1893 to 1897. He served in the Spanish–American War as a captain in the Fourth Regiment of the Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. After the war, Hull was elected as a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives, where he served from 1907 to 1921 and again from 1923 to 1931.

U.S. Senate

In 1931, Hull was elected to the United States Senate, where he served until his appointment as Secretary of State in 1933. During his time in the Senate, Hull was a strong advocate for tariff reduction and international trade agreements.

Secretary of State

As Secretary of State, Hull played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the tumultuous years leading up to and during World War II. He was a key architect of the Good Neighbor Policy, which sought to improve relations with Latin American countries.

Hull was instrumental in the creation of the United Nations, believing that a strong international organization was essential for maintaining peace and preventing future conflicts. His efforts in this regard earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945.

Legacy

Cordell Hull is remembered as a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to promote peace and international cooperation. His contributions to the establishment of the United Nations have had a lasting impact on global diplomacy.

Death and Honors

Hull retired from public service in 1944 due to health issues and passed away on July 23, 1955, in Washington, D.C. He is buried in the Washington National Cathedral.

In addition to the Nobel Peace Prize, Hull received numerous honors and awards for his service, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1963.

See Also

• United States Department of State
• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• United Nations

References

• Dexter,

 The Life of Cordell Hull, 
  
 University of Tennessee Press, 
 1967,

Cordell Hull – Biographical(link). NobelPrize.org.

External Links

• Biography at the U.S. Department of State
• History of the United Nations Charter