Daniel Walker Howe, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian known for his influential work “What Hath God Wrought,” has passed away at age 88. Howe, whose book offers a comprehensive account of the significant technological and social transformations that took place in the United States during the first half of the 19th century, died on December 25, as confirmed by a spokesman for the University of California, Los Angeles, where he served as a professor emeritus.
In 2008, Howe received the Pulitzer Prize for “What Hath God Wrought,” which is part of Oxford University Press’ extensive series on American history. This series also includes notable works from other Pulitzer winners, such as David M. Kennedy’s “Freedom from Fear,” addressing the Great Depression and World War II, and James M. McPherson’s “The Battle Cry of Freedom,” a significant account of the Civil War.
Howe’s 900-page tome covers the years 1815 to 1848, exploring the period from the conclusion of the War of 1812 to the early stirrings of organized feminism, marked by the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848. He examined the westward expansion of the young nation, guided by the doctrine of “Manifest Destiny,” and chronicled the ascent of Andrew Jackson along with the evolution of modern political parties. Howe also shed light on the disintegration of the elite political order that had dominated since George Washington’s presidency, along with the contentious debates surrounding slavery that would ultimately lead to conflict.
The themes in Howe’s work resonate with contemporary American society. In the lead-up to the Civil War, the U.S. witnessed increased industrialization, deeper social entanglements, and pronounced divisions. The title “What Hath God Wrought” refers to a biblical phrase signaling the first telegraph message sent in 1844, reflecting the era’s rapid advancements in communication.
Amid cheaper printing technologies and improved postal services, newspapers and books became more widespread, contributing to modernization through infrastructure developments like roads, bridges, and canals. However, this technological progress also incited resistance in the South, where many politicians opposed new initiatives-termed “internal improvements”—fearing they could undermine the institution of slavery.
Howe articulated that opposition to these improvements often stemmed from a perceived threat to the status quo rather than economic considerations alone. He noted that some individuals felt their interests jeopardized by federal interventions and innovations.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/pulitzer-prize-winning-historian-daniel-walker-howe-dead-at-88-10466661/
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Publish Date: 2026-01-11 05:36:00
