020 - France and Englandthe Plain Facts of the Case

At the WASHINGTON CONFERENCE FOR THE LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS in 1921, acclaimed author H. G. Wells served as a keen observer among the victorious nations of The Great War. His reflections, captured in 29 short essays published in the New York World and other outlets, offer a unique lens into this pivotal moment in history. Rather than serving as a straightforward record of the Conference, these essays convey the insights and impressions of one visitor contemplating the quest for global harmony. Wells critiques the failed League of Nations as America’s initial attempt at organized world peace, suggesting that in its absence, we are left with a world conversation rather than a constitution. Through his thought-provoking observations, Wells articulates a vision of how civilization can navigate the perils it faces and regain its momentum towards progress. While not all of Wells optimistic and pessimistic views have stood the test of time, his reflections on world peace resonate powerfully in todays context. (Lee Smalley)