George Bancroft Quotes

A collection of quotes by George Bancroft.

George Bancroft (1800-1891) was an American historian, statesman, and diplomat. He was born on October 3, 1800, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Bancroft's intellectual curiosity and love for learning led him to excel academically, and he graduated from Harvard University in 1817.

Bancroft first pursued a career in teaching and briefly served as a tutor at Harvard before turning his attention to politics. He became involved in the Democratic Party and served as Secretary of the Navy under President James K. Polk from 1845 to 1846. In this position, he made significant contributions to the development of the United States Navy.

However, it is Bancroft's work as a historian that has cemented his legacy. He is often referred to as the "Father of American History" due to his monumental 10-volume work, "History of the United States, from the Discovery of the American Continent." This comprehensive narrative of American history, spanning from the early colonial era to the aftermath of the American Revolution, remains a significant and enduring contribution to the field.

Aside from his scholarly endeavors, Bancroft also played a role in diplomacy, serving as the U.S. Minister to the United Kingdom from 1846 to 1849 and later as the U.S. Minister to Germany from 1867 to 1874.

George Bancroft passed away on January 17, 1891, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a scholar, statesman, and pioneer in the field of American historiography.