Births on January 10

Daniel Walker Howe, American historian and academic

Daniel Walker Howe, born on January 10, 1937, stands as a preeminent American historian, widely recognized for his profound scholarly contributions to the early national period of United States history. His particular expertise lies in exploring the intricate intellectual and religious dimensions that shaped this formative era. This period, generally spanning from the conclusion of the American Revolution in the late 18th century through the mid-19th century (roughly 1789 to 1848), witnessed the establishment of the young republic, significant territorial expansion, rapid industrialization, and profound social and cultural transformations.

Howe's work meticulously examines how intellectual currents, such as the Enlightenment's influence on American republican thought, intersected with powerful religious movements like the Second Great Awakening, shaping public discourse, social reform efforts (including abolitionism and temperance), and the very identity of the nascent nation. His rigorous analysis provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between ideas, faith, and political development in early America.

Pulitzer-Winning Masterpiece: What Hath God Wrought

Howe's most celebrated and influential work is the monumental What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848, published in 2007. This comprehensive volume earned him the prestigious 2008 Pulitzer Prize for History, cementing its place as a seminal text in American historical scholarship. The book is an integral part of the esteemed Oxford History of the United States series, known for its authoritative and narrative-driven accounts of American history.

The title itself, "What Hath God Wrought," is a direct quote from the first message sent by Samuel Morse on his telegraph in 1844, symbolizing the era's rapid technological advancements and the profound sense of change experienced by Americans. Howe's narrative skillfully weaves together political developments, such as the rise of Jacksonian democracy and the concept of Manifest Destiny, with significant technological innovations and the enduring influence of religious fervor, offering a holistic and engaging account of a transformative period in American life.

A Distinguished Academic Career and Leadership

Daniel Walker Howe's academic journey is marked by an impressive tenure at several of the world's leading universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Oxford University in England.

• Oxford University: His long-standing connection with Oxford began as early as 1960 when he matriculated at Magdalen College to read modern history, ultimately earning his Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1965. From 1989 to 1990, he held the distinguished position of Harold Vyvyan Harmsworth Professor of American History, a highly prestigious visiting chair specifically for American historians, during which he was also a fellow of The Queen's College, Oxford. Subsequently, from 1992 to 2002, he served as the Rhodes Professor of American History, a permanent and highly esteemed chair dedicated to the study of American history. He attained Emeritus status from this position. During this time, he was also a fellow of St Catherine's College, Oxford, until his retirement. His contributions were further recognized by Brasenose College, Oxford, which elected him an Honorary Member of its Senior Common Room.
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): Howe served as Professor of History at UCLA from 1973 to 1992, where he also notably chaired the history department, demonstrating his leadership within the institution. He is currently Professor of History Emeritus at UCLA.
• Yale University: His academic career commenced at Yale University, where he taught from 1966 to 1973.
• Wofford College: In 2011, he undertook a visiting professorship for a semester at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, continuing to share his expertise.

Educational Background and Esteemed Recognition

Born in Ogden, Utah, Howe completed his secondary education at East High School in Denver. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Harvard University, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) magna cum laude in American history and literature. He then earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in history from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1966.

Beyond his academic appointments, Howe's contributions to the historical profession have been widely recognized. He served as president of the Society for Historians of the Early American Republic (SHEAR) in 2001, a leading academic organization dedicated to fostering scholarship on his specialized period. He is also a distinguished Fellow of both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Royal Historical Society, honors that underscore his significant impact on historical scholarship and his standing among the world's most accomplished intellectuals. In 2014, Weber State University acknowledged his contributions by awarding him an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree.

As of February 2015, Daniel Walker Howe resides in Sherman Oaks, California, and is married with three grown children and six grandchildren.

Frequently Asked Questions about Daniel Walker Howe

What is Daniel Walker Howe's primary historical focus?

Daniel Walker Howe specializes in the early national period of U.S. history, with a particular emphasis on its intellectual and religious dimensions, exploring how ideas and faith shaped the American republic from the late 18th to the mid-19th century.

For what book did Daniel Walker Howe win the Pulitzer Prize?

Daniel Walker Howe won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for History for his book What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848, published in 2007.

Where has Daniel Walker Howe taught during his academic career?

Daniel Walker Howe has held faculty positions at several prestigious institutions, including Yale University (1966–73), the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (1973-92, where he also chaired the history department), and Oxford University (1992-2002), where he served as the Rhodes Professor of American History.

What is the significance of the title "What Hath God Wrought"?

The title "What Hath God Wrought" is a direct quote from the first message ever sent by Samuel Morse via telegraph in 1844. Howe uses it to symbolize the profound technological, social, and political transformations that occurred in America during the period covered by his Pulitzer-winning book (1815-1848).