Given by Jan 03 2009
Tennessee and the Nobel Peace Prize
Cordell Hull, born in a log cabin in Pickett County, Tennessee in 1871, would go on to be a great statesman. As the only one of five children to show any interest in education, Hull’s parents saw to it that he was educated. Though his formal education involved numerous schools, he eventually earned his law degree from Cumberland University in 1891.
Hull’s first love however was politics and he followed his heart. He was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1893. His time in the state house was short as his patriotism called him to service in the Spanish-American Civil War. Of course wars do not last forever and when it was over Hull returned to Tennessee and politics. He would go on to hold the position of Judge, US Representative, US Senator, and finally Secretary of State. Hull still holds the distinction of being the longest serving Secretary of State; he served for twelve years under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Hull was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945 for several reasons. His work at fostering positive and peaceful relations with the United States’ neighbors in Central and South America drew high praise around the world. He was also know as a key figure in ending the United States’ policy of isolationism. And finally his work with the United Nations to foster peace around the world through the use of diplomacy was a crowning achievement.
