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With Americans of Past and Present Days
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- GenresHistoryNonfiction
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1916
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About the author
Jean Jules Jusserand
238 books3 followersJean Adrien Antoine Jules Jusserand (18 February 1855 – 18 July 1932) was a French author and diplomat. He was the French Ambassador to the United States during World War I.
He was born on 18 February 1855 in Lyon. Jusserand studied at the University of Lyon and then a Ph.D. in history and a law degree in Paris. Jusserand entered the diplomatic service in 1876. Two years later, he became consul in London. After an interval spent in Tunis (Tunisia was at that time a French protectorate), he returned to London in 1887 as a member of the French Embassy.
In 1890, Jusserand became French minister at Copenhagen. In 1902, he was transferred to Washington, where he married an American citizen, Eliza Richards, and remained there until 1925. He represented France during the Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, and Calvin Coolidge administrations. He was a confidant of President Theodore Roosevelt and part of his "secret du roi" group. During the Polish-Soviet War, Jusserand took part in a diplomatic mission to the Second Polish Republic. In 1919 he was involved with the Treaty of Versailles.
He died on 18 July 1932.
He was born on 18 February 1855 in Lyon. Jusserand studied at the University of Lyon and then a Ph.D. in history and a law degree in Paris. Jusserand entered the diplomatic service in 1876. Two years later, he became consul in London. After an interval spent in Tunis (Tunisia was at that time a French protectorate), he returned to London in 1887 as a member of the French Embassy.
In 1890, Jusserand became French minister at Copenhagen. In 1902, he was transferred to Washington, where he married an American citizen, Eliza Richards, and remained there until 1925. He represented France during the Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, and Calvin Coolidge administrations. He was a confidant of President Theodore Roosevelt and part of his "secret du roi" group. During the Polish-Soviet War, Jusserand took part in a diplomatic mission to the Second Polish Republic. In 1919 he was involved with the Treaty of Versailles.
He died on 18 July 1932.
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May 16, 2021This book is great for a particular set of people (that happens to include me). If you're not enamored of U.S. history, French history, 18th- or 19th- century political thought, and early Pulitzer winners, or at least maybe two of those things, this book might be a three-star or lower for you.
But! I found it super interesting to read a collection of writings/speeches that the Teddy Roosevelt to WWI era French ambassador to the U.S. put together to highlight, explore, and celebrate the longstanding USA-France friendship/Revolutionary bros relationship.
A whole lotta Rochambeau.
A fair amount of Geo. Washington.
Some Ben Franklin and Lafayette love for good measure.
It's not a long and unwieldy book at all.
DID I MENTION THIS WAS THE FIRST BOOK TO WIN THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR HISTORY.
(1917)
But! I found it super interesting to read a collection of writings/speeches that the Teddy Roosevelt to WWI era French ambassador to the U.S. put together to highlight, explore, and celebrate the longstanding USA-France friendship/Revolutionary bros relationship.
A whole lotta Rochambeau.
A fair amount of Geo. Washington.
Some Ben Franklin and Lafayette love for good measure.
It's not a long and unwieldy book at all.
DID I MENTION THIS WAS THE FIRST BOOK TO WIN THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR HISTORY.
(1917)
April 22, 2020
Published in 1916 by the French ambassador to the US, this seems to be focused on obliquely encouraging the US to join into WW I. If it's not that, then I am missing something. I decided to read it because I'm going through the Pulitzer winners and With Americans of Past and Present was the first winner of the Pulitzer prize in History.
The first, and largest, section of the book focuses on the French help to the US during the revolutionary war, especially Rochambeau's forces. I think the value added here is supposed to be the collection of letters that Jusserand poured over. This section takes great pains to argue the French were for the Americans, and not against the English.
The next sections cover L'Enfant, who designed DC, the relationship between George Washington and the French, Abraham Lincoln, a medal that was commissioned on the anniversary of Franklin's birth, a collated of Shakespeare, and finally a speech given on the war and peace, especially "necessary wars."
Given that France was in WWI at the time, you can see how writing a book to remind the US of the special relationship, the help France gave them, and ending with a defense of wars under the right circumstances I came to the conclusion that this was mainly a propaganda piece.
The history of L'Enfant and the planning of DC was new to me, and probably the most interesting. Especially since he got fired (as he seemed to have a pattern of doing) for being uncompromising (He once knocked-down a house that was in the way of his plans without authorization).
The first, and largest, section of the book focuses on the French help to the US during the revolutionary war, especially Rochambeau's forces. I think the value added here is supposed to be the collection of letters that Jusserand poured over. This section takes great pains to argue the French were for the Americans, and not against the English.
The next sections cover L'Enfant, who designed DC, the relationship between George Washington and the French, Abraham Lincoln, a medal that was commissioned on the anniversary of Franklin's birth, a collated of Shakespeare, and finally a speech given on the war and peace, especially "necessary wars."
Given that France was in WWI at the time, you can see how writing a book to remind the US of the special relationship, the help France gave them, and ending with a defense of wars under the right circumstances I came to the conclusion that this was mainly a propaganda piece.
The history of L'Enfant and the planning of DC was new to me, and probably the most interesting. Especially since he got fired (as he seemed to have a pattern of doing) for being uncompromising (He once knocked-down a house that was in the way of his plans without authorization).
January 5, 2009
Jean Jules Jusserand (1855 - 1932) was a diplomat, and an author. He was the French ambassador to the United States from 1902 to 1925, and during that time he wrote and published "With Americans of Past and Present Days" (1916) which was the winner of the first Pulitzer Prize in History in 1917. The work was a look at the relations between the United States and France up to that point in time. Just a couple years later, in the midst of World War I, Jusserand published a new edition of his work re-titled "Brothers In Arms", with a new preface, and he replaced his address about Horace Howard Furness with a piece entitled "On Lafayette's Birthday and the Anniversary of the Marne".
"With Americans of Past and Present Days" was an unusual work in several ways. Instead of providing a standard complete history of the relationship between the two countries, it is a collection of four essays followed by a piece about speeches given when commemorating the two hundredth anniversary of the Birth of Franklin, and then two addresses, and "Brothers In Arms" replaces one speech with another, and in both cases the majority of the text deals with the period around the birth of the United States.
The first, and longest, essay is titled "Rochambeau and the French in America", and covers the relationship between Rochambeau and Washington, as well as the attitudes of the French towards the Americans, and the English, and their motives for helping the United States achieve its independence. It also covers to some extent the biography of Rochambeau after the revolution was over.
The second essay is titled "Major L'Enfant and the Federal City" and it covers the creation of Washington D.C. and the significant contribution of Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant. Interestingly enough, though not all of the Major's ideas were implemented initially and the Major was dismissed before the work was completed, he was vindicated when the Park Commission and the Senate committee issued reports on the city in 1902, they wrote "The original plan of the city of Washington having stood the test of a century, has met universal approval. The departures from that plan are to be regretted, and wherever possible, remedied."
The third essay is titled "Washington and the French", and covers how Washington's perception of our French allies changed from some initial suspicion, to one of respect, and lasting friendships with the French officers who served under him. Washington never had a chance to visit France, but his record of correspondence is quite clear. One of the most interesting areas was where Washington wrote about the revolution in France:
"The Revolution which has been effected in France is of so wonderful a nature that the mind can hardly realize the fact...but I fear, though it has gone triumphantly through the first paroxysm, it is not the last it has to encounter before matters are finally settled. In a word, the revolution is of too great a magnitude to be effected in so short a space, and with the loss of so little blood."
Washington was amazingly prescient in his statement, as indeed the initial relatively peaceful revolution would soon turn to a period of terror.
The next essay is simply titled "Abraham Lincoln", and it covers the attitudes of the French towards the great man. Just as the French took the cause of liberty to heart during our revolution, they greatly admired Lincoln for his stance against slavery. Jusserand's discussion of the reaction of the French to Lincoln's death really puts into perspective how much they thought of him.
Next is a short piece titled "The Franklin Medal" and it discusses the minting of a special commemorative medal on the second centennial of the birth of Benjamin Franklin as a gift to be given to France. The French, of course, were enamored with Franklin and Franklin likewise was a strong supporter of the French. With the earthquake destroying San Francisco at around the same time, the French in return minted a special medal depicting a city rising from the ruins which was given to the mayor in 1909.
The first of the two addresses in the revised edition is about Lafayette's Birthday and the Anniversary of the Marne. This is my least favorite section of either the original or the updated edition of the book. Unlike the other sections of the book, this one is more negative, and is really more an attack on Germany than anything else. There is a great deal of talk about France's position as well, but the thoughts about the United States are few and far between. It is understandable that a speech given near the end of a long and bloody conflict could be full of bitterness and hatred of the enemy, but that is all the more reason to not include it here. The new edition was published after the war, but clearly Jusserand had not forgiven the Germans or he would not have included it here. Ultimately it doesn't really fit, though the speech it replaces was also the weakest section of the original edition.
Given the period in which this book was written, it should come as no surprise that the final address is about war, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that it is about peace. Though Jusserand touches on the great conflict of the day, the address is much more about what he sees as the world moving away from wars and towards peace. Obviously, one could point out many ways in which his perception was way off, but in fact the nature of war has indeed changed quite a bit.
In the first essay in this book, Jusserand describes how the French forbid their navy to interfere with Captain Cook's exploration in the time of the Revolutionary War. Can one ever imagine an enemy in this day and age doing such a thing? Another point which is driven home in the essay on Rochambeau is how important it was to be perceived as treating one's prisoners well, and once again that no longer appears to be of primary importance. So while Jusserand may not have been correct in seeing war becoming less significant, his perception that its nature had changed would seem to have been proved out by the two World Wars, as well as the conflicts during the Cold War.
Overall this is an interesting work of history. It lacks the objectivity that so many look for in a historical text, as Jusserand is very much promoting the strength of the relationship between the two countries. Significant events, such as the Louisiana Purchase are barely mentioned at all, and large gaps exist between what he covers. His choice of subjects for his essays and addresses vary quite a bit as well. The first three essays are very strong pieces, followed by the weaker essay on Lincoln and then the two weakest pieces of the book. I gave the original edition four stars, rounding up, but in this case I am going with three stars because I feel it was weakened by the decision to include the piece on Lafayette and the anniversary of the Marne.
"With Americans of Past and Present Days" was an unusual work in several ways. Instead of providing a standard complete history of the relationship between the two countries, it is a collection of four essays followed by a piece about speeches given when commemorating the two hundredth anniversary of the Birth of Franklin, and then two addresses, and "Brothers In Arms" replaces one speech with another, and in both cases the majority of the text deals with the period around the birth of the United States.
The first, and longest, essay is titled "Rochambeau and the French in America", and covers the relationship between Rochambeau and Washington, as well as the attitudes of the French towards the Americans, and the English, and their motives for helping the United States achieve its independence. It also covers to some extent the biography of Rochambeau after the revolution was over.
The second essay is titled "Major L'Enfant and the Federal City" and it covers the creation of Washington D.C. and the significant contribution of Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant. Interestingly enough, though not all of the Major's ideas were implemented initially and the Major was dismissed before the work was completed, he was vindicated when the Park Commission and the Senate committee issued reports on the city in 1902, they wrote "The original plan of the city of Washington having stood the test of a century, has met universal approval. The departures from that plan are to be regretted, and wherever possible, remedied."
The third essay is titled "Washington and the French", and covers how Washington's perception of our French allies changed from some initial suspicion, to one of respect, and lasting friendships with the French officers who served under him. Washington never had a chance to visit France, but his record of correspondence is quite clear. One of the most interesting areas was where Washington wrote about the revolution in France:
"The Revolution which has been effected in France is of so wonderful a nature that the mind can hardly realize the fact...but I fear, though it has gone triumphantly through the first paroxysm, it is not the last it has to encounter before matters are finally settled. In a word, the revolution is of too great a magnitude to be effected in so short a space, and with the loss of so little blood."
Washington was amazingly prescient in his statement, as indeed the initial relatively peaceful revolution would soon turn to a period of terror.
The next essay is simply titled "Abraham Lincoln", and it covers the attitudes of the French towards the great man. Just as the French took the cause of liberty to heart during our revolution, they greatly admired Lincoln for his stance against slavery. Jusserand's discussion of the reaction of the French to Lincoln's death really puts into perspective how much they thought of him.
Next is a short piece titled "The Franklin Medal" and it discusses the minting of a special commemorative medal on the second centennial of the birth of Benjamin Franklin as a gift to be given to France. The French, of course, were enamored with Franklin and Franklin likewise was a strong supporter of the French. With the earthquake destroying San Francisco at around the same time, the French in return minted a special medal depicting a city rising from the ruins which was given to the mayor in 1909.
The first of the two addresses in the revised edition is about Lafayette's Birthday and the Anniversary of the Marne. This is my least favorite section of either the original or the updated edition of the book. Unlike the other sections of the book, this one is more negative, and is really more an attack on Germany than anything else. There is a great deal of talk about France's position as well, but the thoughts about the United States are few and far between. It is understandable that a speech given near the end of a long and bloody conflict could be full of bitterness and hatred of the enemy, but that is all the more reason to not include it here. The new edition was published after the war, but clearly Jusserand had not forgiven the Germans or he would not have included it here. Ultimately it doesn't really fit, though the speech it replaces was also the weakest section of the original edition.
Given the period in which this book was written, it should come as no surprise that the final address is about war, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that it is about peace. Though Jusserand touches on the great conflict of the day, the address is much more about what he sees as the world moving away from wars and towards peace. Obviously, one could point out many ways in which his perception was way off, but in fact the nature of war has indeed changed quite a bit.
In the first essay in this book, Jusserand describes how the French forbid their navy to interfere with Captain Cook's exploration in the time of the Revolutionary War. Can one ever imagine an enemy in this day and age doing such a thing? Another point which is driven home in the essay on Rochambeau is how important it was to be perceived as treating one's prisoners well, and once again that no longer appears to be of primary importance. So while Jusserand may not have been correct in seeing war becoming less significant, his perception that its nature had changed would seem to have been proved out by the two World Wars, as well as the conflicts during the Cold War.
Overall this is an interesting work of history. It lacks the objectivity that so many look for in a historical text, as Jusserand is very much promoting the strength of the relationship between the two countries. Significant events, such as the Louisiana Purchase are barely mentioned at all, and large gaps exist between what he covers. His choice of subjects for his essays and addresses vary quite a bit as well. The first three essays are very strong pieces, followed by the weaker essay on Lincoln and then the two weakest pieces of the book. I gave the original edition four stars, rounding up, but in this case I am going with three stars because I feel it was weakened by the decision to include the piece on Lafayette and the anniversary of the Marne.
January 5, 2009
Jean Jules Jusserand (1855 - 1932) was a diplomat, and an author. He was the French ambassador to the United States from 1902 to 1925, and during that time he wrote and published "With Americans of Past and Present Days" (1916) which was the winner of the first Pulitzer Prize in History in 1917. The work was a look at the relations between the United States and France up to that point in time.
"With Americans of Past and Present Days" is an unusual work in several ways. Instead of providing a standard complete history of the relationship between the two countries, it is a collection of five essays followed by two speeches, with the majority of the text dealing with the period around the birth of the United States.
The first, and longest, essay is titled "Rochambeau and the French in America", and covers the relationship between Rochambeau and Washington, as well as the attitudes of the French towards the Americans, and the English, and their motives for helping the United States achieve its independence. It also covers to some extent the biography of Rochambeau after the revolution was over.
The second essay is titled "Major L'Enfant and the Federal City" and it covers the creation of Washington D.C. and the significant contribution of Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant. Interestingly enough, though not all of the Major's ideas were implemented initially and the Major was dismissed before the work was completed, he was vindicated when the Park Commission and the Senate committee issued reports on the city in 1902, they wrote "The original plan of the city of Washington having stood the test of a century, has met universal approval. The departures from that plan are to be regretted, and wherever possible, remedied."
The third essay is titled "Washington and the French", and covers how Washington's perception of our French allies changed from some initial suspicion, to one of respect, and lasting friendships with the French officers who served under him. Washington never had a chance to visit France, but his record of correspondence is quite clear. One of the most interesting areas was where Washington wrote about the revolution in France:
"The Revolution which has been effected in France is of so wonderful a nature that the mind can hardly realize the fact...but I fear, though it has gone triumphantly through the first paroxysm, it is not the last it has to encounter before matters are finally settled. In a word, the revolution is of too great a magnitude to be effected in so short a space, and with the loss of so little blood."
Washington was amazingly prescient in his statement, as indeed the initial relatively peaceful revolution would soon turn to a period of terror.
The next essay is simply titled "Abraham Lincoln", and it covers the attitudes of the French towards the great man. Just as the French took the cause of liberty to heart during our revolution, they greatly admired Lincoln for his stance against slavery. Jusserand's discussion of the reaction of the French to Lincoln's death really puts into perspective how much they thought of him.
The last of the essays is the shortest of all, and it is titled "The Franklin Medal" and it discusses the minting of a special commemorative medal on the second centennial of the birth of Benjamin Franklin as a gift to be given to France. The French, of course, were enamored with Franklin and Franklin likewise was a strong supporter of the French. With the earthquake destroying San Francisco at around the same time, the French in return minted a special medal depicting a city rising from the ruins which was given to the mayor in 1909.
The first of the two addresses is about Horace Howard Furness, who was a philosopher and fellow lover of Shakespeare and who had a high regard for the French translations and commentary of his work. This work seems to be rather out of place in this collection, as it doesn't really relate to history. However, if one looks deeper, they will realize that in fact this entire book is much more about perspectives and relationships between people and between the countries then it is about historical events. In this case, it is about a bond which Jusserand formed with Furness through their common love for Shakespeare.
Given the period in which this book was written, it should come as no surprise that the final address is about war, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that it is about peace. Though Jusserand touches on the great conflict of the day, the address is much more about what he sees as the world moving away from wars and towards peace. Obviously, one could point out many ways in which his perception was way off, but in fact the nature of war has indeed changed quite a bit.
In the first essay in this book, Jusserand describes how the French forbid their navy to interfere with Captain Cook's exploration in the time of the Revolutionary War. Can one ever imagine an enemy in this day and age doing such a thing? Another point which is driven home in the essay on Rochambeau is how important it was to be perceived as treating one's prisoners well, and once again that no longer appears to be of primary importance. So while Jusserand may not have been correct in seeing war becoming less significant, his perception that its nature had changed would seem to have been proved out by the two World Wars, as well as the conflicts during the Cold War.
Overall this is an interesting work of history. It lacks the objectivity that so many look for in a historical text, as Jusserand is very much promoting the strength of the relationship between the two countries. Significant events, such as the Louisiana Purchase are barely mentioned at all, and large gaps exist between what he covers. His choice of subjects for his essays and addresses vary quite a bit as well. The first three essays are very strong pieces, followed by the weaker essay on Lincoln and then the two weakest pieces of the book. Despite these flaws, I am going to give it four stars as it will give the reader a different perspective on the history between the two countries. You may wish to find a copy of "Brothers in Arms" which was an updated edition of this book released in 1919, and which included an additional chapter "On Lafayette's Birthday".
"With Americans of Past and Present Days" is an unusual work in several ways. Instead of providing a standard complete history of the relationship between the two countries, it is a collection of five essays followed by two speeches, with the majority of the text dealing with the period around the birth of the United States.
The first, and longest, essay is titled "Rochambeau and the French in America", and covers the relationship between Rochambeau and Washington, as well as the attitudes of the French towards the Americans, and the English, and their motives for helping the United States achieve its independence. It also covers to some extent the biography of Rochambeau after the revolution was over.
The second essay is titled "Major L'Enfant and the Federal City" and it covers the creation of Washington D.C. and the significant contribution of Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant. Interestingly enough, though not all of the Major's ideas were implemented initially and the Major was dismissed before the work was completed, he was vindicated when the Park Commission and the Senate committee issued reports on the city in 1902, they wrote "The original plan of the city of Washington having stood the test of a century, has met universal approval. The departures from that plan are to be regretted, and wherever possible, remedied."
The third essay is titled "Washington and the French", and covers how Washington's perception of our French allies changed from some initial suspicion, to one of respect, and lasting friendships with the French officers who served under him. Washington never had a chance to visit France, but his record of correspondence is quite clear. One of the most interesting areas was where Washington wrote about the revolution in France:
"The Revolution which has been effected in France is of so wonderful a nature that the mind can hardly realize the fact...but I fear, though it has gone triumphantly through the first paroxysm, it is not the last it has to encounter before matters are finally settled. In a word, the revolution is of too great a magnitude to be effected in so short a space, and with the loss of so little blood."
Washington was amazingly prescient in his statement, as indeed the initial relatively peaceful revolution would soon turn to a period of terror.
The next essay is simply titled "Abraham Lincoln", and it covers the attitudes of the French towards the great man. Just as the French took the cause of liberty to heart during our revolution, they greatly admired Lincoln for his stance against slavery. Jusserand's discussion of the reaction of the French to Lincoln's death really puts into perspective how much they thought of him.
The last of the essays is the shortest of all, and it is titled "The Franklin Medal" and it discusses the minting of a special commemorative medal on the second centennial of the birth of Benjamin Franklin as a gift to be given to France. The French, of course, were enamored with Franklin and Franklin likewise was a strong supporter of the French. With the earthquake destroying San Francisco at around the same time, the French in return minted a special medal depicting a city rising from the ruins which was given to the mayor in 1909.
The first of the two addresses is about Horace Howard Furness, who was a philosopher and fellow lover of Shakespeare and who had a high regard for the French translations and commentary of his work. This work seems to be rather out of place in this collection, as it doesn't really relate to history. However, if one looks deeper, they will realize that in fact this entire book is much more about perspectives and relationships between people and between the countries then it is about historical events. In this case, it is about a bond which Jusserand formed with Furness through their common love for Shakespeare.
Given the period in which this book was written, it should come as no surprise that the final address is about war, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that it is about peace. Though Jusserand touches on the great conflict of the day, the address is much more about what he sees as the world moving away from wars and towards peace. Obviously, one could point out many ways in which his perception was way off, but in fact the nature of war has indeed changed quite a bit.
In the first essay in this book, Jusserand describes how the French forbid their navy to interfere with Captain Cook's exploration in the time of the Revolutionary War. Can one ever imagine an enemy in this day and age doing such a thing? Another point which is driven home in the essay on Rochambeau is how important it was to be perceived as treating one's prisoners well, and once again that no longer appears to be of primary importance. So while Jusserand may not have been correct in seeing war becoming less significant, his perception that its nature had changed would seem to have been proved out by the two World Wars, as well as the conflicts during the Cold War.
Overall this is an interesting work of history. It lacks the objectivity that so many look for in a historical text, as Jusserand is very much promoting the strength of the relationship between the two countries. Significant events, such as the Louisiana Purchase are barely mentioned at all, and large gaps exist between what he covers. His choice of subjects for his essays and addresses vary quite a bit as well. The first three essays are very strong pieces, followed by the weaker essay on Lincoln and then the two weakest pieces of the book. Despite these flaws, I am going to give it four stars as it will give the reader a different perspective on the history between the two countries. You may wish to find a copy of "Brothers in Arms" which was an updated edition of this book released in 1919, and which included an additional chapter "On Lafayette's Birthday".
December 26, 2023
Jean Jules Jusserand (1855-1932) was a diplomat, and an author. He was the French ambassador to the United States from 1902 to 1925, and during that time he wrote and published "With Americans of Past and Present Days" (1916) which was the winner of the first Pulitzer Prize in 1917.
The book focuses on the birth of the United States through 4 essays that mention George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin.While an interesting historical work, it lacks objectivity, as Jusserand strongly advocates for the bond between the two countries (France and USA). The selection of subjects for essays and addresses varies widely. The first three essays are strong, followed by a weaker one on Lincoln, and the two weakest pieces in the book.
The book focuses on the birth of the United States through 4 essays that mention George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin.While an interesting historical work, it lacks objectivity, as Jusserand strongly advocates for the bond between the two countries (France and USA). The selection of subjects for essays and addresses varies widely. The first three essays are strong, followed by a weaker one on Lincoln, and the two weakest pieces in the book.
September 25, 2023
(3.5) I was pleasantly surprised with this one! The very first Pulitzer winner for history was a readable collection of essays that basically functioned to highlight the special relationship between France and the U.S. Published during WW1, Jusserand was obviously trying to drum up support for US involvement as France was struggling. Grandiose and dated, for sure, but plenty enjoyable!
July 28, 2025
Winner of the first ever Pulitzer Prize for History, by the French ambassador to the U. S.
July 2, 2021
...or, How A Gifted Diplomat Sells War To A Reluctant Ally
Before this is perceived as a criticism, let me first say that I found this book thoroughly enjoyable. But it should also be appreciated for being an effective work of propaganda by a worthy and beloved ally who needed their friend to commit to a war they were resistant to enter.
Jean Jules Jusserand was the long time French Ambassador to the United States, serving as the French Consul to America through five presidents, beginning with Teddy Roosevelt. Brilliant, well read and encyclopedic in foreign affairs, his appointment to the United States after 25 years administering French diplomatic affairs throughout many of her colonies, in particular, North Africa was brilliant on France's part. His experience gave him an impressive portfolio as he participated in numerous disarmament conferences during which he became associated with President Theodore Roosevelt leading to his appointment to the Embassy at Washington D.C.
A prolific writer and historian, he worked hard to cement the long-standing relationship between France and the United States including being admitted to the Society of Cincinnati, an exclusive club founded in 1783 which included America's Founding Fathers and their French allies such as Rochambeau and Lafayette.
When the Great War was inevitable, Jusserand began actively campaigning for America's participation, an unheard-of proposition as the United States had become famous for its neutrality. His three year campaign may account for the timing of this book, released in 1916 which was the recipient of the first ever Pulitzer Prize for History in 1917 at the same time America joined France in Europe's trenches.
It is a well written collection of essays beginning with George Washington that highlights the long and affectionate relationship between the United States and France. As one would expect from a gifted and seasoned diplomat, it is beautifully written and solidly makes the case how America's Founders and its preeminent 18th Century president Lincoln had great affection for the French and highlights the contribution French people had made to all of America's wars (though not being fully illustrative of France's tacit support for the Confederacy by allowing their ships to be harbored and supplied on French soil) without ever asking for anything in return from America.
I was surprised that there was no mention of France's gift of the Statue of Liberty but it certainly does drive home France's Sons of Liberty who fell in love with the idea of America and a self governing people who just happened to be breaking away from France's biggest rival.
Like most Americans, I had accepted the narrative of France's last minute naval contribution at Yorktown. I knew about the ships but didn't know about the 700 mile overland march by Rochambeau and his thousands of well dressed and well disciplined troops who were, for many American colonists, their first view of the French who, as one could imagine, were not accurately portrayed by the rival English.
It is a well written compendium whose essays well illustrate the special relationship between America and France and a well deserved inaugural Pulitzer Prize for History.
Before this is perceived as a criticism, let me first say that I found this book thoroughly enjoyable. But it should also be appreciated for being an effective work of propaganda by a worthy and beloved ally who needed their friend to commit to a war they were resistant to enter.
Jean Jules Jusserand was the long time French Ambassador to the United States, serving as the French Consul to America through five presidents, beginning with Teddy Roosevelt. Brilliant, well read and encyclopedic in foreign affairs, his appointment to the United States after 25 years administering French diplomatic affairs throughout many of her colonies, in particular, North Africa was brilliant on France's part. His experience gave him an impressive portfolio as he participated in numerous disarmament conferences during which he became associated with President Theodore Roosevelt leading to his appointment to the Embassy at Washington D.C.
A prolific writer and historian, he worked hard to cement the long-standing relationship between France and the United States including being admitted to the Society of Cincinnati, an exclusive club founded in 1783 which included America's Founding Fathers and their French allies such as Rochambeau and Lafayette.
When the Great War was inevitable, Jusserand began actively campaigning for America's participation, an unheard-of proposition as the United States had become famous for its neutrality. His three year campaign may account for the timing of this book, released in 1916 which was the recipient of the first ever Pulitzer Prize for History in 1917 at the same time America joined France in Europe's trenches.
It is a well written collection of essays beginning with George Washington that highlights the long and affectionate relationship between the United States and France. As one would expect from a gifted and seasoned diplomat, it is beautifully written and solidly makes the case how America's Founders and its preeminent 18th Century president Lincoln had great affection for the French and highlights the contribution French people had made to all of America's wars (though not being fully illustrative of France's tacit support for the Confederacy by allowing their ships to be harbored and supplied on French soil) without ever asking for anything in return from America.
I was surprised that there was no mention of France's gift of the Statue of Liberty but it certainly does drive home France's Sons of Liberty who fell in love with the idea of America and a self governing people who just happened to be breaking away from France's biggest rival.
Like most Americans, I had accepted the narrative of France's last minute naval contribution at Yorktown. I knew about the ships but didn't know about the 700 mile overland march by Rochambeau and his thousands of well dressed and well disciplined troops who were, for many American colonists, their first view of the French who, as one could imagine, were not accurately portrayed by the rival English.
It is a well written compendium whose essays well illustrate the special relationship between America and France and a well deserved inaugural Pulitzer Prize for History.
June 25, 2021
This book is great for a particular set of people (that happens to include me). If you're not enamored of U.S. history, French history, 18th- or 19th- century political thought, and early Pulitzer winners, or at least maybe two of those things, this book might be a three-star or lower for you.
But! I found it super interesting to read a collection of writings/speeches that the Teddy Roosevelt to WWI era French ambassador to the U.S. put together to highlight, explore, and celebrate the longstanding USA-France friendship/Revolutionary bros relationship.
A whole lotta Rochambeau.
A fair amount of Geo. Washington.
Some Ben Franklin and Lafayette love for good measure.
It's not a long and unwieldy book at all.
DID I MENTION THIS WAS THE FIRST BOOK TO WIN THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR HISTORY.
(1917)
But! I found it super interesting to read a collection of writings/speeches that the Teddy Roosevelt to WWI era French ambassador to the U.S. put together to highlight, explore, and celebrate the longstanding USA-France friendship/Revolutionary bros relationship.
A whole lotta Rochambeau.
A fair amount of Geo. Washington.
Some Ben Franklin and Lafayette love for good measure.
It's not a long and unwieldy book at all.
DID I MENTION THIS WAS THE FIRST BOOK TO WIN THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR HISTORY.
(1917)
December 30, 2009
Read this online. Interesting pick to win a Pulitzer (the first one for History). Jusserand shows both his diplomatic and writing talents here. Not a traditional history text, and that makes it a valuable read 90 years later. It consists of a collection of essays, rather than a historical narrative, and Jusserand's bias shows throughout. That bias is to show and strengthen the relationship between America and France. Some essays (the ones on Washington and Lincoln) are better than others (Horace Howard Furness). But the idea of "Great Americans" influencing other countries is prominent in all of them. If nothing else, it is very intresting to see some popular chapters of American history from a French prespective.
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