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Llewellyn Thompson: America's Man in Cold War Moscow

Wayne Carter

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Published in The Kremlinologist: Llewellyn E Thompson America S Man In Cold War Moscow (Johns Hopkins Nuclear History And Contemporary Affairs)

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Llewellyn Thompson was one of the most important American diplomats of the Cold War era. He served as U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1957 to 1962, a period of intense tension between the two superpowers. Thompson was a key player in the negotiations that led to the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, and he also played a major role in the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was a brilliant diplomat who was able to build relationships with Soviet leaders, even during the most difficult times. He was also a passionate advocate for peace and disarmament.

The Kremlinologist: Llewellyn E Thompson, America's Man in Cold War Moscow (Johns Hopkins Nuclear History and Contemporary Affairs)

by Jenny Thompson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6441 KB
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Print length	:	600 pages

Early Life and Career

Llewellyn Thompson was born in 1904 in Redfield, South Dakota. He attended the University of Minnesota and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. After graduating from Fletcher, Thompson joined the U.S. Foreign Service. He served in a variety of diplomatic posts in Europe and the Middle East before being assigned to Moscow in 1957.

Ambassador to the Soviet Union

Thompson's tenure as ambassador to the Soviet Union was a challenging one. The Cold War was at its height, and relations between the two superpowers were often strained. Thompson, however, was able to build a rapport with Soviet leaders, including Nikita Khrushchev. He was also able to negotiate a number of important agreements, including the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

The Cuban Missile Crisis

The Cuban Missile Crisis was one of the most dangerous moments of the Cold War. In October 1962, the Soviet Union secretly deployed nuclear missiles in Cuba. Thompson played a key role in the negotiations that led to the removal of the missiles and the end of the crisis.

Later Career

After leaving Moscow, Thompson served as U.S. ambassador to Austria and the Soviet Union. He also served as a special adviser to the Secretary of State. Thompson retired from the Foreign Service in 1972.

Legacy

Llewellyn Thompson was one of the most important American diplomats of the Cold War era. He was a brilliant diplomat who was able to build relationships with Soviet leaders, even during the most difficult times. He was also a passionate advocate for peace and disarmament. Thompson's legacy is one of diplomacy and peacemaking.

Additional Information

* Llewellyn Thompson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963. * Thompson's papers are housed at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston. * There is a bust of Thompson in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.

The Kremlinologist: Llewellyn E Thompson, America's Man in Cold War Moscow (Johns Hopkins Nuclear History and Contemporary Affairs)

by Jenny Thompson

4.6 out of 5