Charles A. Beard

Date of Birth: November 27, 1874

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: September 1, 1948

Biography

Charles A. Beard was an influential American historian born on November 27, 1874, in Knightstown, Indiana. He is best known for his iconoclastic approach to American history and his emphasis on the economic motivations behind historical events. Beard graduated from DePauw University in 1898 and later studied at Oxford University and Columbia University, where he earned his doctorate. Beard’s most famous work, “An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States” (1913), argued that the U.S. Constitution was crafted to serve the economic interests of its framers. This thesis sparked significant debate and reshaped the study of American history. Throughout his career, Beard published numerous books and articles, often co-authoring with his wife, Mary Ritter Beard. They were a prolific duo, contributing significantly to various historical topics, including women’s history and the interpretation of American civilization. Beard was also a social activist and educator, deeply involved in progressive politics. Although his views were controversial, they have had a lasting impact on the field of history. He passed away on September 1, 1948, in New Haven, Connecticut.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles A. Beard

1. Beard co-founded the New School for Social Research in New York City in 1919.

2. He resigned from Columbia University in 1917 due to disagreements over academic freedom during World War I.

3. Beard was a prominent critic of U.S. foreign policy, especially during World War II.

4. He collaborated with his wife, Mary Ritter Beard, on several influential historical works.

5. Beard was one of the first historians to emphasize the role of economic factors in shaping political decisions.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles A. Beard

1. “All politics are based on the indifference of the majority.”

2. “History is a record of the incessant struggle of humanity against the forces of nature and the forces of social inertia.”

3. “You need only reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go about repeating the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the struggle for independence.”

4. “The Constitution was essentially an economic document based upon the concept that the fundamental private rights of property are anterior to government and morally beyond the reach of popular majorities.”

5. “When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you—pull your beard, flick your face—to make you fight. Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Charles A. Beard’s net worth is not well-documented. As a historian and academic, his financial achievements were not the focus of his career. However, his works have had a lasting value in the field of history.