Joseph E. Davies was born on November 29, 1876, in Watertown, Wisconsin. His mother, Rachel Davies, was a noted Welsh-born evangelist preacher. Davies grew up in a devoutly religious household and was instilled with a strong sense of duty and moral responsibility from a young age.
Before becoming a diplomat, Davies was a loyal campaigner for Woodrow Wilson. His dedication to Wilson's cause led to his appointment to the Bureau of Corporations, which later became the Federal Trade Commission. This experience laid the groundwork for his future career in diplomacy.
In the years leading up to World War II, Davies served as the US Ambassador to Russia, Belgium, and Luxembourg. He was known for his diplomatic skills and ability to navigate complex geopolitical situations.
One of Davies' most notable accomplishments was writing the highly popular memoir Mission to Moscow. The book sold 700,000 copies in multiple languages worldwide and was the basis for a controversial film that some felt portrayed the USSR in too positive a light.
Davies was married to Marjorie Post Davies, who was portrayed by Ann Harding in the film Mission to Moscow. The couple had a close relationship and supported each other throughout Davies' diplomatic career.
Joseph E. Davies left a lasting impact on American diplomacy through his various ambassadorships and writings. Despite the controversy surrounding Mission to Moscow, Davies' dedication to promoting peace and understanding between nations remains a significant part of his legacy.