William Dodd (ambassador) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Dodd
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International News Photos photograph of Professor Dodd, shortly after his nomination as Ambassador to Germany.
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| United States Ambassador to Germany | |
| In office August 30, 1933 – December 29, 1937 |
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| President | Franklin D. Roosevelt |
| Preceded by | Frederic M. Sackett |
| Succeeded by | Hugh R. Wilson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Edward Dodd
October 21, 1869 Clayton, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | February 9, 1940 (aged 70) Round Hill, Loudoun County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Rock Creek Cemetery Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Spouse |
Martha Ida "Mattie" Johns
(m. 1901; died 1938) |
| Children | Bill, Martha |
| Parents |
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| Alma mater |
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| Occupation |
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William Edward Dodd (born October 21, 1869 – died February 9, 1940) was an American historian and diplomat. He served as the United States Ambassador to Germany from 1933 to 1937. This was a very important time, as the Nazi party was gaining power.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Dodd to protest the Nazi treatment of Jewish people in Germany. Dodd tried to do this while also keeping good official relations with Germany. He soon realized the Nazis were a growing threat. He resigned because he felt he couldn't convince the U.S. government to act against the Nazis before World War II began.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William "Willie" Dodd was born on October 21, 1869. He grew up on a farm near Clayton, North Carolina. He was the oldest of eight children.
After high school, Dodd went to Oak Ridge Military Academy. He later attended the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech). He earned his bachelor's degree in 1895 and a master's degree in 1897.
Dodd then traveled to Germany. He earned his PhD at the University of Leipzig in 1900. His studies focused on American history. After returning to the U.S., he married Martha Johns in 1901. They had two children: a daughter named Martha and a son named William Jr..
Academic Career
Dodd taught history at Randolph–Macon College from 1900 to 1908. His teaching sometimes caused debate. He challenged common views about the Civil War.
In 1908, Dodd became a Professor of American History at the University of Chicago. He stayed there for 25 years. He was one of the first professors to focus on the history of the American South. He wrote many books and articles. His goal was to offer a balanced view of history.
Dodd became friends with Woodrow Wilson, who later became president. Dodd wrote speeches for Wilson and a book about him. He also supported the U.S. joining the League of Nations. Through his work, Dodd made many connections in the Democratic Party.
Becoming Ambassador to Germany
It was hard for President Roosevelt to find someone to be the U.S. Ambassador to Germany. The political situation in Germany was difficult. Many people turned down the job.
Dodd had expressed interest in a diplomatic role. He wanted a job that would also give him time to write his history books. A friend suggested his name to President Roosevelt.
President Roosevelt offered Dodd the position on June 8, 1933. The Senate quickly approved his nomination. Before leaving, Dodd's friend, the poet Carl Sandburg, told him to learn about Hitler. Sandburg encouraged Dodd to "be brave and truthful." Dodd left for Germany on July 5, 1933, with his wife and children.
Serving in Berlin
Dealing with German Debts
One of Dodd's first tasks was to ensure Germany paid its debts to American banks. Germany was struggling financially. Dodd tried to get Germany to pay, but he also understood their difficulties.
He noted in his diary that Germany was in a "terrible plight." He felt that war was not the answer for their problems.
Addressing Treatment of Jewish People
Before going to Germany, Dodd learned about the Nazi persecution of Jewish people. He met with leaders from the Jewish-American community. They asked him to try and stop the Nazis' harsh policies.
Dodd promised to use his personal influence against unfair treatment. However, he was told not to do so in his official role as ambassador. He believed that Jewish people had too much influence in Germany. He even suggested to Hitler that Jewish influence should be limited, similar to how he thought it was in the U.S. Hitler ignored this advice. He said that if Jewish people continued their activities, "we shall make a complete end of them."
Observing Nazi Intentions
Dodd gave speeches in Berlin where he criticized the Nazis. He called them "half-educated statesmen." His views became more negative after the "Night of the Long Knives" in 1934. During this event, the Nazis killed many political opponents.
Dodd was one of the few diplomats who realized how strong the Nazis had become. In 1935, he reported that Hitler planned to take over parts of other countries. He also predicted an alliance between Germany and Italy.
President Roosevelt valued Dodd's insights. In 1935, Roosevelt wrote that Dodd was "far more accurate in your pessimism" than others. He told his staff that Dodd should not resign. Dodd continued to warn that Hitler had strong support for war.
Challenges with the State Department
Many people in the U.S. State Department had doubts about Dodd. He was not a typical diplomat. He preferred to live simply and walk around Berlin. Other embassy officials found his modest lifestyle unusual.
Dodd decided not to attend the annual Nazi Party rallies in Nuremberg. He did not want to seem like he supported Hitler's government. At first, the State Department allowed this. But as the Nazis gained more power, the State Department wanted Dodd to attend. They did not want to offend the German government.
In 1937, Dodd avoided the rally by visiting the U.S. However, his superiors in the State Department insisted that a U.S. representative attend. This decision was made public. Hitler was pleased that the U.S., Great Britain, and France attended for the first time.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1937, Dodd left his role as ambassador in Berlin. He then took a position at American University in Washington, D.C.. He continued to warn people about the dangers posed by Germany, Italy, and Japan. He also spoke about the persecution happening in Germany. He correctly predicted that Germany would attack Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Poland.
Dodd suffered from a severe throat condition. The stress of his time as ambassador made it worse. He went on a speaking tour in Canada and the U.S. He became known as a statesman who strongly opposed the Nazis.
Dodd's wife died in 1938. After a year of illness, Dodd died of pneumonia on February 9, 1940. He was buried in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
In 1941, Dodd's children published the diary he kept during his time as ambassador. His papers are now kept in several libraries. During World War II, a ship was named the SS William E. Dodd in his honor.
During the Nuremberg Trials after World War II, Dodd's diaries were used as evidence. A German official, Hjalmar Schacht, praised Dodd's character. He said Dodd was "one of the few accredited diplomats in Berlin who very obviously had no sympathy of any sort for the regime in power."
Images for kids
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International News Photos photograph of Professor Dodd, shortly after his nomination as Ambassador to Germany.
