Cordell Hull

American politician, U.S. Secretary of State from 1933 to 1944

Cordell Hull (October 2, 1871 – July 23, 1955) was an American politician from Tennessee. He was the Secretary of State for 11 years. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945 for helping make the United Nations.

Cordell Hull
47th United States Secretary of State
In office
March 4, 1933 – November 30, 1944
PresidentFranklin D. Roosevelt
DeputyWilliam Phillips
Sumner Welles
Edward Stettinius Jr.
Preceded byHenry L. Stimson
Succeeded byEdward Stettinius Jr.
United States Senator
from Tennessee
In office
March 4, 1931 – March 3, 1933
Preceded byWilliam Emerson Brock
Succeeded byNathan L. Bachman
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Tennessee's 4th district
In office
March 4, 1923 – March 3, 1931
Preceded byWynne F. Clouse
Succeeded byJohn R. Mitchell
In office
March 4, 1907 – March 3, 1921
Preceded byMounce Gore Butler
Succeeded byWynne F. Clouse
Chair of the Democratic National Committee
In office
November 2, 1921 – July 22, 1924
Preceded byGeorge White
Succeeded byClem L. Shaver
Personal details
Born(1871-10-02)October 2, 1871
Olympus, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedJuly 23, 1955(1955-07-23) (aged 83)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)
Witz Whitney
(m. 1917; died 1954)
EducationNational Normal University
Cumberland University (LLB)
AwardsNobel Peace Prize
Signature
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceTennessee Volunteer Infantry
RankCaptain
Battles/warsSpanish–American War

He was a lawyer in his younger years, and an Army officer in the Spanish–American War. He was a US Representative for over 20 years. He later was appointed to the Democratic National Committee. He then became a US Senator, but resigned because he was appointed Secretary of State. As Secretary he promoted a "good neighbor" policy towards Latin America and help for China in its war against Japan. He resigned from the secretary position when his health failed. He died in 1955 from heart attacks and strokes.