World War I and Anglo-American relations: The role of Philip Kerr and The Round Table

Abstract

As the 19th century drew to a close, an alliance between the USA and the British Empire dominated the thinking of a political elite in the UK. Milner's 'Kindergarten' was attracted to the idea of the USA as a potential ally with whom Britain could establish an Anglo-American world hegemony, and during World War I, Philip Kerr, first editor of The Round Table, was in the vanguard of efforts to make this vision reality. Later, as ambassador to the USA, Kerr was at the centre of efforts to bring the USA into World War II and to ensure its continuing involvement in international affairs once fighting had ended. This outcome owed much to moves during and between both world wars by influential British figures and institutions, including Kerr and The Round Table, to persuade the American elite that their country should take on a far greater international role.