Elihu Root

Elihu Root (February 15, 1845 – February 7, 1937) was an American lawyer and statesman who served as the United States Secretary of War from 1899 to 1904 under President William McKinley and President Theodore Roosevelt, and as the United States Secretary of State from 1905 to 1909 under President Roosevelt. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1912 for his efforts in international arbitration and for his work in establishing the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.

Early Life and Education

Elihu Root was born in Clinton, New York, to Oren Root and Nancy Whitney Buttrick. He attended local schools and graduated from Hamilton College in 1864. Root then studied law at the New York University School of Law, where he graduated in 1867. He was admitted to the bar in 1867 and began practicing law in New York City.

Legal Career

Root quickly established himself as a prominent lawyer, known for his expertise in corporate law. He served as a U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 1883 to 1885. Root's legal acumen and connections in political circles led to his appointment as Secretary of War.

Political Career

Secretary of War

As Secretary of War, Root implemented significant reforms in the U.S. military. He reorganized the War Department, established the Army War College, and created a general staff system. Root also played a crucial role in the administration of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War.

Secretary of State

Root's tenure as Secretary of State was marked by his efforts to improve relations with Latin America, known as the "Root Doctrine," which emphasized non-intervention and respect for sovereignty. He negotiated several important treaties, including the Root-Takahira Agreement with Japan, which aimed to maintain the status quo in the Pacific and uphold the Open Door Policy in China.

Nobel Peace Prize

In 1912, Elihu Root was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in international arbitration and his efforts to promote peace through legal means. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, which provided a forum for the peaceful resolution of international disputes.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving public office, Root continued to be active in international affairs. He served as a U.S. Senator from New York from 1909 to 1915 and was a key figure in the founding of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Root was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society.

Root's contributions to international law and diplomacy have left a lasting impact. His efforts in promoting arbitration and peaceful conflict resolution are remembered as significant advancements in international relations.

Also see

• Theodore Roosevelt
• Spanish-American War
• Nobel Peace Prize
• Permanent Court of Arbitration
• Root-Takahira Agreement