Joseph E. Davies

Joseph E. Davies was a prominent American diplomat and lawyer who served as the United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1936 to 1938, and as the United States Ambassador to Belgium from 1938 to 1939. During his tenure, he interacted with notable figures such as Joseph Stalin, Vyacheslav Molotov, and Georges Clemenceau. Davies' experiences in the Soviet Union were documented in his book Mission to Moscow, which was later adapted into a film starring Walter Huston. His diplomatic career was marked by significant events, including the Spanish Civil War and the Munich Agreement.

● Early Life and Education

Joseph E. Davies was born in Watertown, Wisconsin, to a family of Welsh descent. He attended University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he studied law and graduated in 1899. Davies then moved to Madison, Wisconsin, and began practicing law, eventually becoming a partner in the law firm of Bavarian, Davies, and Hawkins]. He was also involved in politics, supporting Democratic Party candidates such as Woodrow Wilson and William Jennings Bryan. In 1915, Davies married Marjorie Merriweather Post, the daughter of C.W. Post, the founder of the Postum Cereal Company.

● Career

Before entering the diplomatic corps, Davies had a successful career as a lawyer and businessman. He was a member of the American Bar Association and served on the Federal Trade Commission from 1915 to 1916. Davies was also involved in various business ventures, including the Postum Cereal Company and the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. His connections to influential people, such as Bernard Baruch and Herbert Hoover, helped him secure his appointment as the United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union.

● Diplomatic Career

As the United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union, Davies played a crucial role in shaping United States-Soviet Union relations during a tumultuous period in European history. He interacted with prominent Soviet leaders, including Joseph Stalin, Vyacheslav Molotov, and Andrei Gromyko. Davies' diplomatic efforts were influenced by events such as the Spanish Civil War, the Munich Agreement, and the Japanese invasion of China. He also worked closely with other diplomats, including Anthony Eden, Neville Chamberlain, and Charles de Gaulle. In 1938, Davies was appointed as the United States Ambassador to Belgium, where he served until 1939, and witnessed the invasion of Belgium by Nazi Germany.

● Personal Life

Davies was married twice, first to Marjorie Merriweather Post and then to Dorothy Davies. He had two daughters, Nedenia Marjorie Hutton and Eleanor Post Hutton, from his first marriage. Davies was known for his love of art and collecting, and his collection included works by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet. He was also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Davies' experiences during World War II and the Cold War shaped his views on international relations and geopolitics, which he expressed in his writings and public speeches.

● Legacy

Joseph E. Davies' legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting his experiences as a diplomat, lawyer, and businessman. His book Mission to Moscow provides valuable insights into the Soviet Union during the 1930s, and his diplomatic efforts helped shape United States-Soviet Union relations during a critical period. Davies' interactions with notable figures, such as Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Charles de Gaulle, demonstrate his significance in international relations. His collection of art and artifacts is now part of the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington, D.C., which was established by his second wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post. Today, Davies is remembered as a prominent figure in American diplomacy, and his contributions to international relations continue to be studied by scholars and historians. Category:American Diplomats