John Lothrop Motley

Date of Birth: April 15, 1814

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: May 29, 1877

Biography

John Lothrop Motley was a distinguished American historian and diplomat, renowned for his comprehensive works on Dutch history. Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Motley attended Harvard University and furthered his studies in Germany. His most acclaimed works include “The Rise of the Dutch Republic” and “History of the United Netherlands,” which provided detailed accounts of the Eighty Years’ War and the establishment of the Dutch Republic. Beyond his literary contributions, Motley served as the United States Minister to Austria and later to the United Kingdom, playing significant roles in international diplomacy. His scholarly achievements and diplomatic service left a lasting impact on both historical scholarship and international relations.

5 Interesting Facts about John Lothrop Motley

1. Motley’s “The Rise of the Dutch Republic” was published in 1856 and received critical acclaim for its narrative style and thorough research.

2. Motley was a classmate and friend of Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., and they both attended Harvard University.

3. He served as the United States Minister to Austria from 1861 to 1867 and to the United Kingdom from 1869 to 1870.

4. Despite his success as a historian, Motley faced financial difficulties later in life and struggled to secure stable income.

5. Motley was an advocate for the abolition of slavery and supported the Union cause during the American Civil War.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Lothrop Motley

1. “A historian should be fearless and incorruptible; a man who will call a spade a spade, and who will write what he believes to be the truth.”

2. “History is the torch that illuminates the past, the key that unlocks the door to the future.”

3. “The study of history is a powerful antidote to contemporary arrogance.”

4. “The past is prophetic in that it asserts loudly that wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows.”

5. “The welfare of the people in particular has always been the alibi of tyrants.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, John Lothrop Motley’s net worth was modest compared to modern standards, as historical writing and diplomatic service did not yield significant financial wealth. His approximate highest net worth would be around $100,000 (equivalent to over $2 million today considering inflation).