What was Merrill D. Peterson's primary contribution to the field of American history?

Merrill D. Peterson was an American historian and professor at the University of Virginia, primarily known for his extensive scholarship on Thomas Jefferson and his analysis of historical figures in American memory. He edited the Library of America edition of Thomas Jefferson's writings and authored several influential books on Jefferson, Lincoln, and other key American figures.

Could you detail the lifespan and geographical context of Merrill D. Peterson's life?

Merrill Daniel Peterson was born on March 31, 1921, in Manhattan, Kansas, and passed away on September 23, 2009, in Charlottesville, Virginia. His life spanned 88 years, connecting his Midwestern origins with his long academic career in Virginia.

What was Merrill D. Peterson's primary academic affiliation for the majority of his career?

Merrill D. Peterson's primary academic affiliation was the University of Virginia, where he taught for the remainder of his career after being hired to succeed the noted Jefferson biographer Dumas Malone. He eventually held the distinguished title of Thomas Jefferson Foundation Professor of History.

What significant editorial role did Merrill D. Peterson undertake for the Library of America?

Merrill D. Peterson served as the editor for the Library of America edition of the selected writings of Thomas Jefferson. This role highlights his expertise and recognition in the study of one of America's founding figures.

How did Merrill D. Peterson's first book, *The Jefferson Image in the American Mind*, approach the study of Thomas Jefferson?

Merrill D. Peterson's first book, *The Jefferson Image in the American Mind*, published in 1960, was an adaptation of his doctoral dissertation. It explored how Thomas Jefferson has been perceived and interpreted throughout American history, focusing on the evolution of his legacy in the collective American consciousness.

What prestigious award did Merrill D. Peterson receive for *The Jefferson Image in the American Mind*?

For his book *The Jefferson Image in the American Mind*, Merrill D. Peterson was awarded the Bancroft Prize for History in 1961. This prize is a significant recognition for works in American history and diplomacy.

What was Merrill D. Peterson's own assessment of his most important book?

Merrill D. Peterson considered his lengthy one-volume biography, *Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation* (1970), to be his most important book. This work provided a comprehensive account of Jefferson's life and impact.

What historical figures were the central subjects of Merrill D. Peterson's 1998 book, *The Great Triumvirate*?

Merrill D. Peterson's 1998 book, *The Great Triumvirate: Webster, Clay, and Calhoun*, focused on a joint biography of three prominent 19th-century American political figures: Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and John C. Calhoun. These individuals were central to American politics during their era.

What was the primary subject matter of Merrill D. Peterson's edited collection, *"Starving Armenians": America and the Armenian Genocide, 1915-1930 and After*?

Merrill D. Peterson's edited collection, *"Starving Armenians": America and the Armenian Genocide, 1915-1930 and After* (2004), examines the American response to the violence and displacement of the Armenian people during and after World War I. It explores the historical context, the initial reports of the atrocities, and the ongoing efforts to gain official recognition of the events as genocide.

What personal experience motivated Merrill D. Peterson to research and edit a book on the Armenian Genocide?

Merrill D. Peterson was motivated to research and edit *"Starving Armenians"* after traveling to Armenia in 1997 as a Peace Corps volunteer. This experience deeply affected him and prompted him to explore the country's troubled history and the historical American response to the Armenian Genocide.

Who was Henry Morgenthau, Sr., in the context of Peterson's work on the Armenian Genocide?

In the context of Peterson's book *"Starving Armenians"*, Henry Morgenthau, Sr., was the U.S. ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. The book references the initial reports he sent to President Woodrow Wilson detailing the violence against the Armenian population.

What historical event forms the core of the narrative in Peterson's book *"Starving Armenians"*?

The historical event at the core of Peterson's book *"Starving Armenians"* is the Armenian Genocide, which involved the systematic mass killing and deportation of Armenians by the Ottoman government during World War I. The book also addresses the aftermath and the subsequent denial by Turkey.

What is the stance of Turkey regarding the events described in Peterson's book *"Starving Armenians"*?

According to the text, Turkey has denied that the systematic killings and deportations of Armenians during World War I constitute genocide. Peterson's book explores the contemporary efforts to achieve official recognition of these events as genocide.

What universities did Merrill D. Peterson attend for his undergraduate and graduate studies?

Merrill D. Peterson attended Kansas State University for two years before earning his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from the University of Kansas. He later obtained his Ph.D. in the history of American civilization from Harvard University.

What was Merrill D. Peterson's father's profession?

Merrill D. Peterson's father was a Baptist minister. His parents divorced when Merrill was in the third grade, after which his mother began running a boarding house.

Whom did Merrill D. Peterson succeed in his role as a Jefferson scholar at the University of Virginia?

Merrill D. Peterson succeeded the renowned Jefferson biographer Dumas Malone at the University of Virginia. This succession placed him in a significant position to continue scholarship on Thomas Jefferson.

What academic title did Merrill D. Peterson eventually hold at the University of Virginia?

Merrill D. Peterson eventually held the title of Thomas Jefferson Foundation Professor of History at the University of Virginia. This title signifies his distinguished career and contributions to the university and the field of history.

What award did the Library of Virginia bestow upon Merrill D. Peterson in 2005?

In 2005, the Library of Virginia honored Merrill D. Peterson with its Literary Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognized his significant and sustained contributions to literature and historical scholarship.

Besides his major works on Jefferson and Lincoln, what other historical figures did Peterson study or edit writings for?

Merrill D. Peterson also wrote shorter studies on figures such as John Brown and Woodrow Wilson, and edited writings related to Ray Stannard Baker. He also edited several anthologies of Thomas Jefferson's writings.

What was the significance of *The Jefferson Image in the American Mind* within the field of historical study?

*The Jefferson Image in the American Mind* is hailed as a pioneering exploration of the history of American memory. This approach, focusing on how historical figures are remembered and interpreted over time, has become an increasingly important area of study for historians.

How did Merrill D. Peterson's book *Lincoln in American Memory* relate thematically to his earlier work on Jefferson?

Merrill D. Peterson's book *Lincoln in American Memory* was written from a similar thematic stance as his first book on Jefferson, *The Jefferson Image in the American Mind*. Both works explored how a major historical figure's legacy and public perception evolved over time in the American consciousness.

What specific role did Merrill D. Peterson undertake in Armenia in 1997?

In 1997, Merrill D. Peterson served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Armenia. This experience was pivotal in sparking his interest in the history of the Armenian people and the Armenian Genocide.

What specific period does Peterson's book *"Starving Armenians"* cover regarding American involvement and the Armenian Genocide?

Peterson's book *"Starving Armenians"* covers the period from 1915 to 1930 and beyond, focusing on the American response to the violence against the Armenian people during and after World War I. It includes initial reports to President Woodrow Wilson and discusses the ongoing campaign for recognition of the events as genocide.

What was the estimated number of Armenian minority population deaths mentioned in relation to World War I in Peterson's work?

In relation to World War I, Peterson's work mentions that more than 1.5 million of Armenia's minority population died. This figure underscores the scale of the tragedy discussed in his book.

What was the full birth name of the historian Merrill D. Peterson?

The full birth name of the historian was Merrill Daniel Peterson.

What degree did Merrill D. Peterson earn from Harvard University?

Merrill D. Peterson earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the history of American civilization from Harvard University.

What was the subject of Merrill D. Peterson's dissertation?

Merrill D. Peterson adapted his doctoral dissertation as his first book, titled *The Jefferson Image in the American Mind*.

What does the presence of extensive 'Authority control' links at the end of the article suggest about Merrill D. Peterson?

The extensive 'Authority control' links, referencing databases like ISNI, VIAF, GND, and the Library of Congress, suggest that Merrill D. Peterson is a recognized and cataloged figure within international and national library and archival systems. This indicates a significant level of scholarly contribution and documentation.

What award did Merrill D. Peterson receive in 1994 related to his work on Abraham Lincoln?

In 1994, Merrill D. Peterson received the University of Virginia Phi Beta Kappa Book Award for his work *Lincoln in American Memory*. This book was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 1995.

What was the nature of Merrill D. Peterson's involvement with C-SPAN?

Merrill D. Peterson appeared on C-SPAN on multiple occasions to discuss his books. These appearances included an interview about *Lincoln in American Memory* and a presentation on *John Brown: The Legend Revisited*, indicating his engagement with public dissemination of his historical research.

What honor did the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation bestow upon Merrill D. Peterson?

Merrill D. Peterson received the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation Gold Medal in 1960. This award likely recognized his significant contributions to the study and understanding of Thomas Jefferson.

What was Merrill D. Peterson's mother's occupation after her divorce?

After her divorce from Merrill D. Peterson's father, his mother began running a boarding house. This suggests she took on a significant role in supporting the family during his childhood.

What does the phrase 'history of American memory' refer to in relation to Peterson's work?

The 'history of American memory' refers to the study of how historical figures, events, and ideas are remembered, interpreted, and reinterpreted by subsequent generations in the United States. Peterson's work, particularly on Jefferson and Lincoln, explored how these figures became ingrained in the national consciousness and how their images evolved over time.

What was the title of the book that resulted from Merrill D. Peterson's dissertation?

The book that resulted from Merrill D. Peterson's dissertation was titled *The Jefferson Image in the American Mind*, published by Oxford University Press in 1960.

What specific aspect of Thomas Jefferson's legacy did Peterson aim to assess in his early work?

In his early work, particularly *The Jefferson Image in the American Mind*, Peterson undertook the task of assessing 'what history had made of Thomas Jefferson.' This indicates a focus on how Jefferson's historical significance and public perception were shaped over time.

What other awards did Merrill D. Peterson receive in 1997 and 2004?

In 1997, Merrill D. Peterson received the First Freedom Council's National First Freedom Award. While the text mentions his book *"Starving Armenians"* was published in 2004, it does not list a specific award for that year, but does mention the Library of Virginia gave him a Literary Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.

What was the significance of Peterson succeeding Dumas Malone at the University of Virginia?

Succeeding Dumas Malone, a highly regarded Jefferson biographer, at the University of Virginia meant that Peterson took on a prominent role in continuing the scholarly tradition focused on Thomas Jefferson at that institution. It signified a passing of the torch in Jeffersonian scholarship.

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Biography

Early Life and Foundations

Merrill Daniel Peterson, born March 31, 1921, in Manhattan, Kansas, embarked on a distinguished career as an American historian. His early life was shaped by his father's role as a Baptist minister and his parents' divorce during his childhood, after which his mother managed a boarding house. These formative experiences provided a unique perspective that would later inform his deep engagement with the complexities of American historical figures and their legacies.

Academic Journey

Peterson's academic path was rigorous and prestigious. After initial studies at Kansas State University, he earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kansas. He then pursued doctoral studies at Harvard University, completing a Ph.D. in the history of American civilization. This comprehensive education laid the groundwork for his future scholarly endeavors, particularly his focus on foundational American thinkers and leaders.

Educational Milestones

Higher Education

Peterson's higher education journey was marked by attendance at several key institutions:

Kansas State University: Initial undergraduate studies.
University of Kansas: Awarded Bachelor of Arts (BA).
Harvard University: Earned Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the history of American civilization.

This academic progression provided him with a deep understanding of historical methodologies and a broad knowledge base in American history.

Professional Career

Teaching and Research

Following his doctoral work, Peterson contributed his expertise to esteemed institutions, teaching at Brandeis University and Princeton University. He eventually found his long-term academic home at the University of Virginia. There, he succeeded the renowned Jefferson biographer Dumas Malone and rose to become the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Professor of History, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in his field.

Peace Corps and Later Engagements

In a notable later-life endeavor, Peterson served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Armenia in 1997. This experience profoundly impacted him, leading him to research and edit the collection "Starving Armenians": America and the Armenian Genocide 1915-1930 and After. This work explored the American response to the Armenian Genocide and the ongoing efforts for its recognition, demonstrating his continued commitment to historical inquiry and social justice.

Seminal Works

The Jefferson Image in the American Mind

Peterson's first major book, The Jefferson Image in the American Mind (1960), adapted from his doctoral dissertation, was a groundbreaking study. It pioneered the exploration of how historical figures are remembered and reinterpreted over time, a field now known as the history of American memory. This work earned him the prestigious Bancroft Prize for History in 1961.

Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation

Published in 1970, this extensive one-volume biography of Thomas Jefferson was considered by Peterson himself to be his most significant contribution. It offered a comprehensive examination of Jefferson's life and impact on the nascent United States, cementing Peterson's status as a leading Jefferson scholar.

Lincoln in American Memory

Following his work on Jefferson, Peterson turned his attention to Abraham Lincoln. His 1994 book, Lincoln in American Memory, applied a similar lens, analyzing how Lincoln's image and legacy have evolved in the American consciousness. This work was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 1995.

The Great Triumvirate

In 1988, Peterson published The Great Triumvirate: Webster, Clay, and Calhoun. This joint biography delved into the lives and political careers of three towering figures of 19th-century American politics: Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and John C. Calhoun, exploring their complex relationships and contributions to the nation's development.

Starving Armenians

Peterson's later work, "Starving Armenians": America and the Armenian Genocide 1915-1930 and After (2004), showcased his commitment to examining critical, often controversial, historical events. This collection of essays explored the American response to the Armenian Genocide, highlighting the historical context and the ongoing debate surrounding its recognition.

Other Contributions

Beyond his major works, Peterson authored shorter studies on figures such as John Brown, Woodrow Wilson, and Ray Stannard Baker. He also edited several anthologies of Thomas Jefferson's writings, further contributing to the accessibility and understanding of these historical figures.

Legacy and Honors

Recognition of Scholarship

Merril D. Peterson's profound impact on the field of American history was recognized through numerous accolades:

Bancroft Prize (1961) for The Jefferson Image in the American Mind.
Pulitzer Prize finalist (1995) for Lincoln in American Memory.
Library of Virginia Literary Lifetime Achievement Award (2005).
National First Freedom Award (1997).
Virginia Foundation for Humanities 20th Anniversary Award (1994).
University of Virginia Phi Beta Kappa Book Award (1994).
Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation Gold Medal (1960).

Enduring Influence

Peterson's work fundamentally shaped how subsequent generations understood key figures like Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. His innovative approach to analyzing historical memory and his meticulous scholarship set a high standard for biographical and historical writing. His legacy endures through his influential books and the scholars he mentored during his long tenure at the University of Virginia.

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References

"Merrill D. Peterson, Jefferson Scholar, Dies at 88", The New York Times, 2 October 2009

A full list of references for this article are available at the Merrill D. Peterson Wikipedia page

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American Minds

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biography 👤

📜 Early Life and Foundations

🏛️ Academic Journey

Educational Milestones 🎓

🏫 Higher Education

Professional Career 💼

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Research

🌍 Peace Corps and Later Engagements

Seminal Works 📖

💡 The Jefferson Image in the American Mind

🇺🇸 Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation

⭐ Lincoln in American Memory

⚖️ The Great Triumvirate

🕊️ Starving Armenians

📚 Other Contributions

Legacy and Honors 🏆

🌟 Recognition of Scholarship

🧠 Enduring Influence

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biography

Early Life and Foundations

Academic Journey

Educational Milestones

Higher Education

Professional Career

Teaching and Research

Peace Corps and Later Engagements

Seminal Works

The Jefferson Image in the American Mind

Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation

Lincoln in American Memory

The Great Triumvirate

Starving Armenians

Other Contributions

Legacy and Honors

Recognition of Scholarship

Enduring Influence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice