VISCOUNT CECIL: A REIGN OF PEACE THROUGH THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS (GREAT BRITAIN, WORLD WAR ONE, INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY, ARMS LIMITATION)
Abstract
Viscount Cecil of Chelwood, a leading advocate of a League within two wartime coalitions, co-drafter of a compromise Covenant, and the stepfather of the League during the inter-war years, is not clearly understood by historians. The author has attempted both to elucidate Cecil's philosophy of a League of Nations and to place his influence on British foreign policy in its proper historical perspective. Methods of research involved gaining a basic knowledge of nineteenth and twentieth century British diplomacy. Original research took place in archives located in the United Kingdom. In particular, the Cecil Papers and Balfour Papers (British Museum), the Lloyd George Papers (House of Lords Record Office), and government papers (Public Record Office), formed the basis of this study. The author has made every effort to synthesize into this dissertation material in recently published books. The author reached the following conclusions. Cecil was an important minister of the second rank who contributed significantly to the conduct of the first world war. He kept the concept of a League of Nations alive during the Lloyd George coalition despite pockets of deep-seated hostility. At Paris, he closely hewed to the policies approved by the Imperial War Cabinet so as to forge a true compromise Covenant during the proceedings of the League of Nations Commission. Unfortunately, American rejection of the Covenant shattered Cecil's dream of a pax Anglo-Americana that would shore up a weakened Great Britain. Subsequently, he tried new approaches--security agreements, arms limitation, conciliation, the Peace Ballot, the International Peace Campaign--but his advice on policy was largely ignored by British governments. Consequently, during the thirties he became more and more impractical in his suggestions. When he reverted to one of his original ideas of a League--its collective security functions--his followers rejected his lead. His proclivity to try new departures, his forthright nature, and his belief in the disinteredness of his class, caused Cecil to strike out boldly in an effort to retain Britain's place in the world. He knew bitter disappointments, but felt the satisfaction of making the effort. Although an inspiring saga, Cecil's quest failed in its immediate purpose of instituting a reign of peace. Nevertheless, Cecil's life is a heartening example of the best in mankind.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
European history
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