Who was Herbert Levi Osgood, and what was his primary occupation?

Herbert Levi Osgood was an American historian, born on April 9, 1855, and died on September 11, 1918. His primary occupation was that of a historian, specializing in colonial American history.

Where and when was Herbert Levi Osgood born?

Herbert Levi Osgood was born on April 9, 1855, in Canton, Maine, which is located in the United States.

When and where did Herbert Levi Osgood pass away?

Herbert Levi Osgood died on September 11, 1918, at the age of 63, in New York City, US.

What were Herbert Levi Osgood's educational achievements?

Herbert Levi Osgood earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Amherst College and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from Columbia University. These institutions are well-known universities in the United States.

What historical period and subjects did Herbert Levi Osgood focus on in his work?

Herbert Levi Osgood's scholarly period spanned from 1886 to 1924, and his primary subjects of study were American history, specifically colonial history.

Who were Herbert Levi Osgood's notable relatives who were also historians?

Herbert Levi Osgood had two notable relatives who were also historians: his nephew, Ernest Staples Osgood, who was a prominent historian of the American West, and his son-in-law, Dixon Ryan Fox, who also authored a biography of Osgood.

What was Herbert L. Osgood's role at Columbia University?

As a professor at Columbia University, Herbert L. Osgood directed numerous dissertations for scholars who later became major historians. He was a significant figure in academic mentorship.

What historical school of thought was Herbert L. Osgood a leader of?

Herbert L. Osgood was a leader of the 'Imperial historians,' a school of thought that focused on studying, and often praising, the internal operations and structures of the British Empire during the 18th century.

Who was John W. Burgess, and what was his connection to Herbert L. Osgood?

John W. Burgess was a political scientist under whom Herbert L. Osgood studied at Amherst College and later at Columbia University. Burgess also founded the journal *Political Science Quarterly*, where Osgood published early articles.

What was Osgood's academic path after graduating from Amherst College?

After graduating from Amherst College in 1877, Osgood received his Master's from Amherst in 1880, took graduate classes at Yale, and spent a year in Berlin before returning to the United States to teach at Brooklyn High School and resume graduate studies at Columbia under John W. Burgess.

When did Herbert L. Osgood receive his doctorate, and what was its basis?

Herbert L. Osgood received his doctorate from Columbia University in 1889. His doctoral dissertation was based on two well-received articles he had already published in *Political Science Quarterly*: 'Scientific Socialism' (December 1886) and 'Scientific Anarchism' (March 1889).

Where did Osgood conduct research on colonial America after completing his doctorate?

After completing his doctorate, Osgood traveled to London to study documents related to colonial America. He conducted this research in the archives of the British Museum and the Public Record Office.

When did Herbert L. Osgood begin teaching at Columbia University, and what course did he teach?

Herbert L. Osgood began teaching the course on 'Political History of the Colonies and the American Revolution' in 1891, after returning from his research in London and serving as an assistant to John W. Burgess for six years.

When was Osgood appointed professor at Columbia University, and how long did he hold this position?

Osgood was appointed professor at Columbia University in 1896 and remained in that position until his death in 1918.

Who wrote the biography of Herbert L. Osgood titled *Herbert Levi Osgood, an American scholar*?

Dixon Ryan Fox, Herbert L. Osgood's son-in-law, authored the biography titled *Herbert Levi Osgood, an American scholar*, which was published in 1924.

What is a defining characteristic of Herbert L. Osgood's scholarly writing style?

Herbert L. Osgood's scholarly work is characterized by extensive and detailed analysis of primary sources. His writing is descriptive, focusing on careful analysis for other historians, with minimal narrative flow.

How did Osgood's writing style contrast with that of Edward Channing?

Osgood's writing style, which focused on detailed analysis of primary sources, contrasted with Edward Channing's approach. Channing wrote more popularly accessible works, but based them more on a synthesis of secondary sources, rather than direct primary research.

Which prominent historian's style was Osgood's work sometimes compared to?

Osgood's work was sometimes compared to that of Leopold von Ranke, a highly influential German historian known for his emphasis on primary sources and objective historical writing.

What criticism did Osgood's work receive during his lifetime?

During his lifetime, Osgood's work was criticized for being 'cold' and concentrating solely on institutions and facts, rather than making history 'interesting.' His son-in-law, Dixon Ryan Fox, quoted Osgood's response to such criticism, questioning if it was an historian's function to make history interesting.

Who were some other notable 'Imperial School' historians alongside Osgood?

Alongside Herbert L. Osgood, other notable 'Imperial School' historians included Charles McLean Andrews and George Louis Beer, the latter of whom was Osgood's student at Columbia.

What perspective did the 'Imperial School' historians take on the colonial period?

The 'Imperial School' historians, including Osgood, viewed the colonial period with a focus on its imperial ties with Great Britain. They aimed to move beyond partisan studies that often portrayed colonists heroically and the British as evil.

In which early article did Osgood first articulate his critical view of partisan colonial studies?

Osgood first articulated his critical view of partisan colonial studies in an early article titled 'England and the Colonies,' published in *Political Science Quarterly* in September 1887. In this article, he criticized the biased portrayal of colonists and the British.

What other significant publications did Herbert L. Osgood contribute to?

Herbert L. Osgood contributed an early article on American colonial history to the *Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1898* and also wrote an article on early American history for the famous 11th edition of the *Encyclopædia Britannica*.

How did Osgood gather material for his major multi-volume works?

To gather material for his major works, Osgood, with the assistance of students and research leaves from Columbia, visited archives in various states and in Britain to personally examine original historical documents.

What was the title and publication period of Osgood's first major multi-volume series?

Osgood's first major multi-volume series was titled *The American Colonies in the Seventeenth Century*, published in three volumes between 1904 and 1907. This work received favorable reviews in academic circles.

What unfinished task remained for *The American Colonies in the Eighteenth Century* at the time of Osgood's death?

At the time of Osgood's death, a chapter on slavery was yet to be written for *The American Colonies in the Eighteenth Century*, and the final editing of the entire work still needed to be completed.

What was unique about Osgood's report for the Public Archives Commission?

Osgood handled the section on New York for the Public Archives Commission. Unlike some other cursory state reports, Osgood's report was exceptionally thorough, spanning 184 pages, and was even separately published to make it more accessible to libraries in New York.

What public service editing project did Osgood undertake?

As a public service, Osgood edited the eight-volume *Minutes of the Common Council of the City of New York, 1675-1776*, which were known as the 'English records' to differentiate them from earlier Dutch records. This project involved compiling and organizing historical municipal documents.

Who were some of Herbert L. Osgood's notable doctoral students at Columbia?

While working on his various projects, Osgood continued to teach and supervise doctoral dissertations at Columbia. Among his notable students were William Robert Shepherd, Charles Austin Beard, and Arthur Meier Schlesinger.

According to biographer Gwenda Morgan, what new sophistication did Osgood bring to colonial studies?

According to biographer Gwenda Morgan, Osgood introduced a new sophistication to colonial studies by approaching the question of how the Atlantic was bridged from an institutional perspective. He was the first American historian to acknowledge the complexity and experimental nature of imperial structures, as well as the contradictions between theory and practice that led to inconsistencies and misunderstandings on both sides of the Atlantic.

What did Gwenda Morgan conclude about the primary factors shaping colonial development in Osgood's view?

Gwenda Morgan concluded that, in Osgood's view, American factors, rather than imperial influences, were the primary shapers of the colonies' development. This highlights his focus on internal colonial dynamics.

What enduring value does Osgood's work hold for professional historians today?

Gwenda Morgan states that Osgood's work still holds value for professional historians, particularly those interested in understanding the nature of the colonies' position within the early British Empire and their internal political development.

What is the significance of the image of Herbert Levi Osgood in the article?

The image in the article is a portrait of Herbert Levi Osgood, providing a visual representation of the American historian who specialized in colonial American history.

What is the purpose of the 'See also' section in the article about Herbert L. Osgood?

The 'See also' section in the article about Herbert L. Osgood directs readers to related topics, specifically 'Historiography of the British Empire,' which is relevant to Osgood's work as a leader of the 'Imperial historians' school.

What is the title of the three-volume work by Osgood published between 1904 and 1907?

The three-volume work by Osgood published between 1904 and 1907 is titled *The American colonies in the seventeenth century*.

Where can one find the papers of Herbert L. Osgood for research?

The papers of Herbert L. Osgood are available at Columbia University's Rare Book & Manuscript Library, and a finding aid is accessible online for researchers.

What is the role of the 'Authority control databases' section in the Wikipedia article?

The 'Authority control databases' section provides links to various international and national databases that contain standardized information about Herbert L. Osgood, such as ISNI, VIAF, and WorldCat, helping to uniquely identify and link information about him across different systems.

What was the subject of Osgood's article 'Scientific Socialism'?

Osgood's article 'Scientific Socialism,' published in December 1886 in *Political Science Quarterly*, was one of the two articles that formed the basis of his doctoral dissertation, indicating his early academic interest in political and social theories.

What was the subject of Osgood's article 'Scientific Anarchism'?

Osgood's article 'Scientific Anarchism,' published in March 1889 in *Political Science Quarterly*, was the second of two articles that constituted his doctoral dissertation, demonstrating his scholarly engagement with different political ideologies.

How did Osgood's work contribute to the understanding of the British Empire's structures?

Osgood's work was significant because he was the first American historian to recognize the intricate nature of imperial structures, their experimental character, and the inherent contradictions between theoretical governance and practical application that led to misunderstandings between Great Britain and its colonies.

What was the general reception of *The American Colonies in the Seventeenth Century* in academic circles?

*The American Colonies in the Seventeenth Century* received favorable reviews in the academic literature, indicating its positive reception and scholarly impact upon its publication.

What was the purpose of Osgood's year spent in Berlin during his graduate studies?

Osgood spent a year in Berlin during his graduate studies, which was a common practice for American scholars at the time to engage with European academic traditions and further their research before returning to the United States.

What journal did John W. Burgess found, and how was it significant to Osgood's early career?

John W. Burgess founded the journal *Political Science Quarterly*. This journal was significant to Osgood's early career because it published his first two well-received articles, 'Scientific Socialism' and 'Scientific Anarchism,' which later became his doctoral dissertation.

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A Scholar's Life

Early Education and Academic Roots

Herbert Levi Osgood, born on April 9, 1855, in Canton, Maine, embarked on a distinguished academic journey that would shape the study of American colonial history. He commenced his higher education at Amherst College, graduating in 1877, where he was notably mentored by John W. Burgess. Osgood furthered his studies, earning his Master's from Amherst in 1880, attending graduate courses at Yale, and spending a formative year in Berlin, enriching his intellectual perspective before returning to the United States.

Columbia and Doctoral Pursuits

Upon his return, Osgood taught at Brooklyn High School while resuming his graduate studies at Columbia University, following his former mentor Burgess. He successfully completed his doctorate from Columbia in 1889. His doctoral dissertation comprised two well-received articles previously published in the Political Science Quarterly, a journal founded by Burgess: "Scientific Socialism" (December 1886) and "Scientific Anarchism" (March 1889). This early work showcased his analytical rigor and scholarly depth.

Archival Research and Professorship

Following his doctorate, Osgood undertook critical research in London, meticulously examining documents related to colonial America housed in the archives of the British Museum and the Public Record Office. This foundational work underscored his commitment to primary source analysis. Returning to the United States, he served as an assistant to Burgess for six years, concurrently initiating his influential course on the "Political History of the Colonies and the American Revolution" in 1891. By 1896, Osgood was appointed professor at Columbia, a position he held until his passing on September 11, 1918, in New York City at the age of 63.

Family and Enduring Connections

Osgood's academic legacy extended through his family. His son-in-law, Dixon Ryan Fox, also a notable historian, authored a biography titled Herbert Levi Osgood, an American scholar (1924), providing valuable insights into his life and work. Furthermore, his nephew, Ernest Staples Osgood, became a prominent historian specializing in the American West, demonstrating a familial inclination towards historical scholarship.

Scholarly Methodology

Primary Source Immersion

Osgood's scholarly work was profoundly characterized by an extensive and meticulous analysis of primary sources. His approach was largely descriptive, focusing on a careful, detailed examination of original materials intended primarily for fellow historians. This methodology stood in contrast to contemporaries like Edward Channing, who often synthesized secondary sources for more broadly accessible narratives. Osgood's dedication to foundational documents reflected his admiration for Leopold von Ranke, with whom his style is sometimes compared.

The Imperial School Perspective

A leading figure among the "Imperial historians," Osgood, alongside scholars such as Charles McLean Andrews and his student George Louis Beer, championed a perspective on the colonial period that emphasized its intricate imperial connections with Great Britain. He articulated this viewpoint in his early article "England and the Colonies" (September 1887) in Political Science Quarterly. In this work, he critiqued the prevailing partisan narratives that often romanticized colonists as heroic figures while demonizing the British, advocating for a more balanced and institutionally focused understanding of the era.

Critiques and Osgood's Response

Despite the rigor of his work, Osgood faced criticism, even during his lifetime, for a perceived "cold" and overly institutional focus, concentrating primarily on facts rather than narrative appeal. His son-in-law, Dixon Ryan Fox, recounted Osgood's direct response to such a critic: "...but is it the function of an historian to make history interesting?" This statement encapsulates his unwavering commitment to objective, fact-driven historical inquiry over popular narrative engagement.

Pioneered institutional analysis of colonial relations.
Recognized the complexity and experimental nature of the British Empire.
Highlighted contradictions between imperial theory and practice.
Emphasized American factors in shaping colonial development.

Monumental Works

The American Colonies Series

Osgood's most significant contributions to historical scholarship are his multi-volume works on the American colonies. Through extensive research in state and British archives, he produced the three-volume The American Colonies in the Seventeenth Century (1904-1907), which garnered favorable academic reviews. He then dedicated years to its four-volume sequel, The American Colonies in the Eighteenth Century. Though he had nearly completed this monumental work at the time of his death, with only a chapter on slavery and final editing remaining, his son-in-law, Dixon Ryan Fox, meticulously edited the manuscripts for posthumous publication in 1924.

Public Service and Archival Preservation

Recognizing his deep experience in state archives, Osgood was invited to participate in the American Historical Association's Public Archives Commission project in 1900. His thorough report on the archives and public records of New York State and New York City, spanning 184 pages, was notably comprehensive compared to other state reports and was separately published for broader access. Demonstrating his commitment to public scholarship, Osgood also edited the eight-volume Minutes of the Common Council of the City of New York, 1675-1776 (1905), known as the "English records."

Enduring Influence

Mentorship and Academic Lineage

Throughout his career at Columbia, Osgood remained an active educator, supervising numerous doctoral dissertations that shaped the next generation of prominent historians. Among his distinguished students were William Robert Shepherd, Charles Austin Beard, and Arthur Meier Schlesinger, each of whom went on to make significant contributions to American historiography. His mentorship fostered a rigorous, evidence-based approach to historical inquiry that resonated through his academic lineage.

Bridging the Atlantic: A New Perspective

Historian Gwenda Morgan succinctly summarized Osgood's profound impact, noting that he "brought a new sophistication to the study of colonial relations posing the question from an institutional perspective, of how the Atlantic was bridged." She further highlighted his pioneering recognition of the complexity and experimental nature of imperial structures, as well as the inherent contradictions between theory and practice that led to misunderstandings on both sides of the Atlantic. Osgood's work emphasized American factors as primary shapers of colonial development, rather than solely imperial influences.

Lasting Value for Historians

Morgan concludes that Osgood's scholarship retains significant value for contemporary professional historians. His detailed analyses continue to inform discussions on the nature of the colonies' position within the early British Empire and their internal political evolution. His rigorous methodology and institutional focus laid a foundational groundwork that remains relevant for understanding the intricate dynamics of early American history.

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References

Dixon Ryan Fox, Herbert Levi Osgood, an American scholar (Columbia University Press, 1924), 115.

Herbert L. Osgood, "England and the Colonies," Political Science Quarterly, Vol. 2, no. 3 (Sept. 1887): 440-469 in JSTOR

A full list of references for this article are available at the Herbert L. Osgood Wikipedia page

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Herbert L. Osgood: Architect of Colonial Historiography

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

A Scholar's Life 📜

🎓 Early Education and Academic Roots

🍎 Columbia and Doctoral Pursuits

🇬🇧 Archival Research and Professorship

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and Enduring Connections

Scholarly Methodology 🔬

🔍 Primary Source Immersion

🏛️ The Imperial School Perspective

🧊 Critiques and Osgood's Response

Monumental Works 📖

📚 The American Colonies Series

🏛️ Public Service and Archival Preservation

Enduring Influence 🌟

🌱 Mentorship and Academic Lineage

🌐 Bridging the Atlantic: A New Perspective

💡 Lasting Value for Historians

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

A Scholar's Life

Early Education and Academic Roots

Columbia and Doctoral Pursuits

Archival Research and Professorship

Family and Enduring Connections

Scholarly Methodology

Primary Source Immersion

The Imperial School Perspective

Critiques and Osgood's Response

Monumental Works

The American Colonies Series

Public Service and Archival Preservation

Enduring Influence

Mentorship and Academic Lineage

Bridging the Atlantic: A New Perspective

Lasting Value for Historians

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice