A Measure of Detachment: Richard Hofstadter and the Progressive Historians

Abstract

This thesis argues that Richard Hofstadter's innovations in historical method arose as a critical response to the Progressive historians, particularly to Charles Beard. It argues that Hofstadter's first two books were demonstrations of the inadequacy of Progressive methodology, while his third book (the Age of Reform) was a demonstration of the potential of his new way of doing history.