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Lester B. Pearson: The Diplomat Who Averted a Global War

Billy Foster

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Published in The Diplomat: Lester Pearson And The Suez Crisis

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Lester Bowles Pearson was a Canadian diplomat and politician who served as the 12th Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968. He is best known for his role in resolving the Suez Crisis of 1956, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.

The Diplomat: Lester Pearson and the Suez Crisis

4.7 out of 5

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Early Life and Education

Lester B. Pearson was born on April 23, 1897, in Newtonbrook, Ontario, Canada. He was the son of Edwin Arthur Pearson, a Methodist minister, and Annie Sarah Bowles. Pearson attended the University of Toronto, where he studied history and political science. He graduated with honors in 1919 and went on to study at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.

Diplomatic Career

Pearson began his diplomatic career in 1923, when he joined the Canadian Department of External Affairs. He served in various diplomatic posts, including First Secretary at the Canadian Legation in Washington, D.C., and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. In 1946, he was appointed Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs.

The Suez Crisis

In 1956, Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, a vital waterway for international shipping. This action angered the United Kingdom and France, who had previously controlled the canal. The two countries, along with Israel, launched a military invasion of Egypt.

The Suez Crisis threatened to escalate into a global war. The United States and the Soviet Union, the two superpowers of the Cold War, were both opposed to the invasion. Pearson, who was then Canada's Minister of External Affairs, played a key role in resolving the crisis.

Pearson proposed a plan to create a United Nations peacekeeping force to be deployed to the Suez Canal. The plan was accepted by both sides, and the crisis was averted. For his role in resolving the Suez Crisis, Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.

Prime Minister of Canada

In 1963, Pearson was elected Prime Minister of Canada. He served as Prime Minister until 1968. During his time in office, he oversaw the adoption of the Canadian Bill of Rights, the creation of the Canada Pension Plan, and the establishment of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism.

Legacy

Lester B. Pearson is remembered as one of Canada's greatest diplomats. He was a skilled negotiator and a tireless advocate for peace. His role in resolving the Suez Crisis helped to prevent a global war and earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.

Pearson died on December 27, 1972, at the age of 75. He is buried in the Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, Ontario.

The Diplomat: Lester Pearson and the Suez Crisis

4.7 out of 5