Jean Jules Jusserand

Jean Jules Jusserand joined scholarship to a diplomatic career that included London, Tunis, and more than two decades in Washington. He studied at Lyon and Paris and became known for works on medieval English life and the history of English literature. Appointed ambassador in 1902, he presented his credentials in February 1903 and remained until 1925. ^{1, 2}

He developed a close relationship with Theodore Roosevelt, joining the president's demanding walks through Rock Creek Park. That access also had diplomatic uses during the Moroccan crisis. In June 1905, Roosevelt discussed with Jusserand a conference acceptable to France. Jusserand later became dean of Washington's diplomatic corps. ^{2, 3}

During the First World War he advocated French interests before Woodrow Wilson's administration and, after American entry, worked on economic warfare. In June 1917 he pressed for controls that would stop neutral countries from passing imported supplies to Germany, citing French consular reports on food, livestock, and other exports. Acting Secretary Frank Polk replied that the proposals were being considered in connection with American export controls. Jusserand accompanied Wilson to France for the peace conference. ^{4, 5, 2}

His historical writing continued alongside embassy work. With Americans of Past and Present Days won the Pulitzer Prize for history in 1917, and he served as president of the American Historical Association in 1921. After retiring he published further diplomatic and historical studies. He died in 1932; a memorial bench in Rock Creek Park was dedicated in 1936, with Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and his widow present. ^{6, 1, 2}