Bancroft, George (1800-1891), was an American historian and diplomat. He became one of the most outstanding historians of the 1800’s, a reputation based largely on his 10-volume History of the United States (1834-1874). The work earned high praise for its contribution to an understanding of the American point of view during the 1800’s. Bancroft viewed the nation’s history as evidence of a divine plan for freedom and equality. His History and other works demonstrate his view of progress, in which the idea of American democracy represented the highest form of civilization.
Bancroft was born on Oct. 3, 1800, in Worcester, Massachusetts, and was educated at Harvard University and in Germany. In 1823, he helped found the Round Hill School, a progressive school for boys, at Northampton, Massachusetts. Bancroft taught at the school for eight years. He then devoted the rest of his life to politics, diplomacy, and writing. Bancroft’s strong support of the Democratic Party earned him a number of political appointments. In 1845 and 1846, he served as secretary of the Navy under President James K. Polk. He founded the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1845. From 1846 to 1849, Bancroft represented the United States as minister to the United Kingdom. He served as the U.S. minister to Germany from 1867 to 1874. He died on Jan. 17, 1891.
