Mark Twain was born as Samuel Langhorne Clemens on 30th November 1835. He is celebrated for his literary masterpieces like “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” 

Beyond his contributions to American literature, Mark emerged as a formidable advocate for global peace and a staunch critic of imperialism. In the aftermath of the Spanish-American War, his perspective shifted dramatically. He became an ardent anti-imperialist, joining the American Anti-Imperialist League in 1901 and serving as its vice president until his death in 1910. Mark vocally opposed the U.S. annexation of the Philippines, asserting, “I am an anti-imperialist. I am opposed to having the eagle put its talons on any other land.” His essay “To the Person Sitting in Darkness,” published in 1901, satirically criticised imperialist endeavors by Western nations, including the United States, in countries like China, South Africa, and the Philippines. 

Mark denounced the hypocrisy of promoting civilisation through violence, highlighting the moral contradictions inherent in such actions. His commitment to peace extended to his critique of European colonialism. In “King Leopold’s Soliloquy,” he lambasted the brutal exploitation in the Congo Free State under Belgian rule, bringing international attention to the atrocities committed there. Through his incisive writings and public speeches, Mark Twain leveraged his prominence to challenge imperialistic policies and advocate for a more peaceful and just world. His legacy as a literary giant is paralleled by his enduring contributions to the cause of global peace.