John Bach McMaster

John Bach McMaster was an influential American historian known for his innovative approach to historical writing. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he graduated from the College of the City of New York in 1872 and initially worked as a civil engineer before transitioning to academia. He served as an instructor at Princeton University and later became a professor of American history at the University of Pennsylvania. McMaster's election to the American Antiquarian Society in 1884 highlighted his commitment to historical scholarship, and he served as the second president of The Franklin Inn Club from 1914 to 1930. McMaster's most notable work, "History of the People of the United States from the Revolution to the Civil War," began in 1873 and marked a significant departure from traditional historical narratives by focusing on social history and the experiences of ordinary Americans rather than solely political events. This comprehensive work served as a valuable complement to the political histories of his contemporaries. Additionally, his textbook, "A School History of the United States," published in 1897, became widely adopted in schools. McMaster's emphasis on using newspapers as primary sources set a precedent for future historians, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in the field of social history.