Robert Lansing
USA- Early Life and Legal Career
- International Law Expert
- Secretary of State
- Diplomatic Achievements
- Limited Influence
- Paris Peace Conference
- Later Career
- Legacy
Early Life and Legal Career
Robert Lansing was born in 1864 in Watertown, New York. He graduated from Amherst College in 1886 and joined the law firm of 'Lansing & Lansing at Watertown' in his hometown.
International Law Expert
Lansing specialized in international law and represented the United States in several international arbitration courts involving disputes with the British Empire, including the Bering Sea fur seal controversy, the Alaskan boundary question, and the North Atlantic fisheries dispute.
Secretary of State
In 1915, Lansing was appointed Secretary of State by President Woodrow Wilson. This appointment signaled a shift towards a more assertive stance against Germany in the lead-up to World War I. Lansing had consistently advocated for U.S. involvement in the war against Germany, believing that a German victory threatened the security of the United States.
Diplomatic Achievements
Lansing played a significant role in the 1916 Danish-American Treaty, which resulted in the purchase of the Danish West Indies by the United States. He also signed the Lansing-Ishii Agreement with Japan in 1917, recognizing Japan's 'special interests' in China.
Limited Influence
Despite his high-ranking position, Lansing's influence on U.S. foreign policy was often limited. President Wilson preferred to handle diplomatic affairs himself, often bypassing the State Department. Lansing thus often found himself in more of an advisory role.
Paris Peace Conference
In 1919, Lansing led the American delegation to the Paris Peace Conference. Over time, he fell out of favor with Wilson and resigned from his post.
Later Career
Following his departure from the State Department in 1920, Lansing returned to legal practice in New York City. He authored the memoirs 'The Big Four and Others at the Peace Conference' (1921) and 'The Peace Negotiations' (1922). He also served as an Assistant Editor for the 'American Journal of International Law.'
Legacy
John Foster Dulles, who served as Secretary of State in the 1950s, was Lansing's nephew. Robert Lansing died in New York on October 30, 1928, at the age of 64.
