John Lothrop Motley Quotes
John Lothrop Motley (1814-1877) was an American historian and diplomat. He is best known for his two-volume work The Rise of the Dutch Republic (1856), which is considered one of the most influential works of 19th-century historiography. He also wrote the novel Morton’s Hope (1839) and the bio…Read More
John Lothrop Motley (1814-1877) was an American historian and diplomat. He is best known for his two-volume work The Rise of the Dutch Republic (1856), which is considered one of the most influential works of 19th-century historiography. He also wrote the novel Morton’s Hope (1839) and the biography Oliver Cromwell (1856). Motley was a diplomat for the United States in Austria and England, and he was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.Read Less
John Lothrop Motley (1814-1877) was an American historian and diplomat. He is best known for his two-volume work The Rise of the Dutch Republic (1856), which is considered one of the most influential works of 19th-century historiography. He also wrote the novel Morton’s Hope (1839) and the biography Oliver Cromwell (1856). Motley was a diplomat for the United States in Austria and England, and he was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
8 Top John Lothrop Motley Quotes
John Lothrop Motley Career Highlights
- Motley attended Harvard University, where he excelled in his studies and graduated with honors in 1831.
- After graduation, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1836. However, he soon realized that his true passion was writing and history.
- In 1839, Motley published his first book, “Morton’s Hope: A Tale of the Present,” which received critical acclaim.
- In 1841, he traveled to Europe and spent several years studying and researching the history of the Netherlands.
- In 1851, Motley published his most famous work, “The Rise of the Dutch Republic,” which chronicled the history of the Netherlands from the 16th to the 17th century. The book was a huge success and established Motley as a leading historian.
- Motley’s next book, “The United Netherlands,” was published in 1860 and continued the story of the Dutch Republic until its fall in 1584.
- In 1861, Motley was appointed as the United States Minister to Austria, a position he held until 1867. During his time as a diplomat, he played a crucial role in preventing Austria from joining the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
- In 1869, Motley was appointed as the United States Minister to the United Kingdom, where he served until 1870.
- In 1874, Motley published his final work, “The Life and Death of John of Barneveld,” which focused on the life of a Dutch statesman during the 17th century.
Key Contributions by John Lothrop Motley
- Motley’s extensive research and writings on the history of the Netherlands helped to popularize the country’s history and culture in the United States.
- His books were praised for their detailed and vivid descriptions, as well as their engaging storytelling.
- Motley’s diplomatic efforts during the American Civil War helped to maintain good relations between the United States and Austria, and prevent the country from joining the Confederacy.
What Sets John Lothrop Motley Apart
- Motley’s extensive knowledge and passion for the history of the Netherlands set him apart from other historians of his time.
- He was one of the first American historians to focus on European history, particularly the history of the Netherlands.
- Motley’s writing style was praised for its accessibility and ability to engage readers, making history more accessible to the general public.
Takeaways
- John Lothrop Motley was a highly accomplished historian and diplomat who made significant contributions to the study of Dutch history.
- His books continue to be regarded as some of the most important works on the subject and are still widely read today.
- Motley’s dedication to his craft and his ability to make history come alive through his writing make him a notable figure in American history.
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