Andrew Dickson White
American historian and educator, co-founder and first president of Cornell University.
Biographical Overview & Key Facts
- Subject:
- Andrew Dickson White
- Role / Field:
- American historian and educator, co-founder and first president of Cornell University.
- Born:
- 1832-11-07
- Died:
- 1918-11-04
- Century / Era:
- 1832s Historical Era
- Database Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Origins & Foundations
Andrew Dickson White (November 7, 1832 – November 4, 1918) was an American historian and educator who co-founded Cornell University, one of eight Ivy League universities in the United States, and served as its first president for nearly two decades. He was known for expanding the scope of college curricula. A politician, he had served as New York state senator and was later appointed as U.S. ambassador to Germany and Russia.
Key Developments & Impact
He was one of the founders of the conflict thesis, which states that science and religion have historically been in conflict, and tried to prove it over the course of approximately 800 pages in his History of the Warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom. White was born on November 7, 1832, in Homer, New York, to Clara (née Dickson) and Horace White. Clara was the daughter of Andrew Dickson, a New York State Representative in 1832 and his wife. Horace was the son of Asa White, a farmer from Massachusetts, and his wife. Their once-successful farm was ruined by a fire when Horace was 13.
Enduring Legacy
Despite little formal education and struggles with poverty after his family lost their farm, Horace White became a businessman and wealthy merchant...
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Notable Quotes by Andrew Dickson White
“The purpose of the university is to expand the scope of college curricula.”
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Andrew Dickson White
True or False: “Andrew Dickson White's primary historical focus was proving that science and religion had always been in harmony.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): He was known for developing the 'conflict thesis,' arguing that science and religion have historically been in conflict.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld — Contemporary (Born in 1832) (1832): Finland-Swedish baron, renowned geologist, and pioneering Arctic explorer.
- Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson — Contemporary (Born in 1832) (1832): Pioneering Norwegian writer, poet, and polemicist, celebrated for national spirit.
- Charles Boycott — Contemporary (Born in 1832) (1832): English land agent whose ostracism in Ireland gave the English word 'boycott'.
- Abdul Hamid II — Contemporary (Died in 1918) (1918): Last effective Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, navigating decline and constitutional upheaval.
- Abraham Pais — Contemporary (Born in 1918) (1918): Pioneering physicist and acclaimed science historian of modern physics.
- Adolfo Pedernera — Contemporary (Born in 1918) (1918): Argentine football legend, nicknamed 'El Maestro,' pivotal in the 1940s.
- Albert Camus — Shared historical date (11-07 · Born) (1913): Philosopher and writer known for Absurdism, The Stranger, and The Plague.
- Alexander Dubček — Shared historical date (11-07 · Died) (1992): Slovak statesman known for leading the Prague Spring and advocating 'Socialism with a human face'.
- Alexander Kolchak — Shared historical date (11-04 · Born) (1874): Russian admiral, polar explorer, and leader of the White movement in the Civil War.
- Art Carney — Shared historical date (11-04 · Born) (1918): Esteemed American actor and comedian, celebrated for his iconic roles.
- 1832 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1832
- November 7 (11-07) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 7
- 1918 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1918
- November 4 (11-04) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 4
Frequently Asked Questions about Andrew Dickson White
Who was Andrew Dickson White and what are their primary contributions?
American historian and educator, co-founder and first president of Cornell University. Origins & Foundations: Andrew Dickson White (November 7, 1832 – November 4, 1918) was an American historian and educator who co-founded Cornell University, one of eight Ivy League universities in the United States, and served as its first president for nearly two decades. He was known for expanding the scope of college curricula. A politician, he had served as New York state senator and was later appointed as U.S. ambassador to Germany and Russia.
When was Andrew Dickson White born and during which historical era did they live?
Andrew Dickson White was born on 1832-11-07 and passed away on 1918-11-04. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 1832 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Andrew Dickson White?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia