Remembering Daniel Walker Howe: A Tribute to the Pulitzer Prize-Winning Historian and Author of 'What Hath God Wrought
Daniel Walker Howe, a renowned historian known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning book "What Hath God Wrought," has passed away at the age of 88. His book, part of the Oxford University Press series on American history, delved into the significant technological and social changes in the U.S. during the early 19th century. Covering the period from 1815 to 1848, Howe explored the expansion westward, the rise of Andrew Jackson, the emergence of modern political parties, and the ongoing debate over slavery that ultimately led to armed conflict.
During this transformative period in American history, the country experienced industrialization, improved communication through technologies like the telegraph, and the modernization of infrastructure. Despite these advancements, there was resistance in the South, particularly from politicians who feared that progress would undermine the institution of slavery. Howe's work highlighted how innovation not only brought economic benefits but also contributed to moral advancements, such as more humane laws, wider access to education, and greater equality for women.
Howe's dedication to writing for general readers, not just historians, set his work apart. By combining traditional narrative storytelling with insights from recent scholarship on social movements, he presented American history as an ongoing dialogue about the definition of success. From the conquest of the continent to the preservation of the Union and advancements in various fields, Howe emphasized that history unfolds over a long time scale, with each moment offering a different perspective on the nation's greatness.