# Cordell Hull > American politician, U.S. Secretary of State from 1933 to 1944 **Wikidata**: [Q202979](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q202979) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordell_Hull) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cordell-hull ## Summary Cordell Hull was an American politician who served as the U.S. Secretary of State from 1933 to 1944. He is best known for his pivotal role in shaping American foreign policy during the mid-20th century and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945 for his contributions to international diplomacy. ## Biography - Born: October 2, 1871, in Olive Branch, Tennessee, United States - Nationality: American - Education: Graduated from National Normal University (1891); studied law at the University of Nashville and Central Tennessee College of Law - Known for: Architect of the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act, promoting international cooperation, and serving as the longest-serving U.S. Secretary of State - Employer(s): U.S. Government (State Department), private legal practice - Field(s): Politics, diplomacy, international relations, law ## Contributions Cordell Hull made several significant contributions to American diplomacy and international relations: - **Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act (1934)**: As Secretary of State, Hull was instrumental in drafting and advocating for this act, which aimed to reduce trade barriers and stimulate international commerce. The act laid the groundwork for post-World War II trade liberalization. - **United Nations Foundation**: Hull played a key role in the early conceptualization of the United Nations, advocating for a global organization to maintain peace and prevent future conflicts. - **Nobel Peace Prize (1945)**: Awarded posthumously for his efforts in establishing the United Nations and promoting international cooperation. - **Medal for Merit (1942)**: Received this award, one of the highest civilian honors in the U.S., for his contributions to diplomacy and international policy. ## FAQs ### What is Cordell Hull most known for? Cordell Hull is most known for serving as the U.S. Secretary of State from 1933 to 1944 and for his role in shaping American foreign policy, including the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act and the foundation of the United Nations. ### What awards did Cordell Hull receive? Cordell Hull received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945 and the Medal for Merit in 1942, both recognizing his contributions to diplomacy and international peace. ### Where did Cordell Hull study? Cordell Hull attended National Normal University, graduating in 1891. He later studied law at the University of Nashville and Central Tennessee College of Law. ### What was Cordell Hull's role in international diplomacy? As U.S. Secretary of State, Hull was a leading figure in international diplomacy, advocating for trade liberalization, global cooperation, and the establishment of the United Nations. ### What legislation is Cordell Hull associated with? Cordell Hull is associated with the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934, which aimed to reduce tariffs and promote international trade. ## Why They Matter Cordell Hull's influence on American foreign policy and international diplomacy is profound. As the longest-serving U.S. Secretary of State, he laid the foundation for modern trade diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. His work was instrumental in shaping the post-World War II global order, including the creation of the United Nations and the push for open trade policies. Without Hull's efforts, the U.S. might not have assumed its post-war leadership role in global governance and economic cooperation. ## Notable For - **Nobel Peace Prize (1945)**: Awarded for his role in founding the United Nations and promoting international peace. - **Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act (1934)**: Pioneered by Hull, this act reshaped U.S. trade policy and influenced global economic cooperation. - **Longest-serving U.S. Secretary of State**: Served from 1933 to 1944, longer than any of his predecessors. - **Architect of U.S. Trade Liberalization**: Promoted tariff reduction and open markets, influencing post-war economic policies. - **Medal for Merit (1942)**: Received one of the highest civilian honors in the U.S. for contributions to diplomacy. - **Legal Career**: Studied law and practiced before entering politics, shaping his approach to international law and policy. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Cordell Hull was born on October 2, 1871, in Olive Branch, Tennessee. He pursued higher education at National Normal University, from which he graduated in 1891. Hull later studied law at the University of Nashville and the Central Tennessee College of Law, eventually becoming a practicing lawyer. ### Political Career Hull began his political career in Tennessee, serving in various state and federal positions: - **Tennessee House of Representatives**: Elected in 1897. - **U.S. House of Representatives**: Served from 1907 to 1931, becoming a prominent figure in Democratic Party politics. - **U.S. Senate**: Elected in 1931, Hull served until his appointment as Secretary of State. ### Secretary of State (1933–1944) Cordell Hull served as U.S. Secretary of State under President Franklin D. Roosevelt for an unprecedented 11 years, from 1933 to 1944. His tenure was marked by: - **Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act (1934)**: Hull championed this act to reduce tariffs and stimulate international trade, laying the groundwork for post-war economic cooperation. - **World War II Diplomacy**: Hull played a key role in aligning the U.S. with Allied powers and advocating for a new international peacekeeping body. - **United Nations Foundation**: Hull was instrumental in the conceptualization and early development of the United Nations, which aimed to prevent future global conflicts. ### Awards and Recognition Cordell Hull received several honors for his diplomatic contributions: - **Nobel Peace Prize (1945)**: Awarded for his role in founding the United Nations and promoting international cooperation. - **Medal for Merit (1942)**: One of the highest civilian honors in the United States, recognizing his contributions to diplomacy. ### Legacy and Influence Cordell Hull's legacy includes: - **Trade Liberalization**: His work on the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act influenced global trade policies and economic openness. - **International Peace**: Hull's advocacy for the United Nations and multilateral diplomacy helped shape the post-war international order. - **Longest-serving Secretary of State**: His 11-year tenure remains unmatched, highlighting his enduring influence on U.S. foreign policy. Cordell Hull passed away on July 23, 1955, leaving behind a legacy of diplomacy, peace, and international cooperation. His work continues to influence global trade and diplomatic practices to this day. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1945/hull/biographical/) 2. [Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/524/cordell-hull) 3. BnF authorities 4. Integrated Authority File 5. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress 6. Find a Grave 7. [Source](http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1945/) 8. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/) 9. International Standard Name Identifier 10. Virtual International Authority File 11. CiNii Research 12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 13. SNAC 14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 15. GeneaStar 16. Proleksis Encyclopedia 17. Croatian Encyclopedia 18. Munzinger Personen 19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 20. nobelprize.org 21. LIBRIS. 2009