Crane Brinton

Quick Facts: Who was Crane Brinton?

Subject:

Crane Brinton

Known for:

American historian of France and ideas, known for 'The Anatomy of Revolution'.

Born:

1898-02-02

Died:

1968-09-07

Century / Era:

1898s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Clarence Crane Brinton (February 2, 1898 – September 7, 1968) was an American historian of France, as well as a historian of ideas. His most famous work, The Anatomy of Revolution (1938) likened the dynamics of revolutionary movements to the progress of fever. Born in Winsted, Connecticut, his family soon moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he grew up and attended the public schools there before entering Harvard University in 1915.

Career & Major Achievements

His excellent academic performance enabled him to win a Rhodes Scholarship to attend Oxford University, receiving a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in 1923 for a thesis on The political thought of the English romanticists, 1789–1832. Brinton then began teaching at Harvard University that same year, becoming full professor in 1942 and remaining at Harvard until his death. He was McLean Professor of Ancient and Modern History from 1946 to 1968.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

For many years he taught a popular course at Harvard known informally to his students as "Brunch with Brinton". Brinton was known for his witty, convivial, and urbane writing and commentary, and was fluent in French.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1898 (1898-02-02): Birth of Crane Brinton — American historian of France and ideas, known for 'The Anatomy of Revolution'.
2. 1915: 1915 Milestone — Born in Winsted, Connecticut, his family soon moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he grew up and attended the public schools there before entering Harvard University in 1915.
3. 1923: 1923 Milestone — His excellent academic performance enabled him to win a Rhodes Scholarship to attend Oxford University, receiving a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in 1923 for a thesis on The political thought of the English romanticists, 1789–1832.
4. 1938: 1938 Milestone — His most famous work, The Anatomy of Revolution (1938) likened the dynamics of revolutionary movements to the progress of fever.
5. 1942: 1942 Milestone — Brinton then began teaching at Harvard University that same year, becoming full professor in 1942 and remaining at Harvard until his death.
6. 1946: 1946 Milestone — He was McLean Professor of Ancient and Modern History from 1946 to 1968.
7. 1968 (1968-09-07): Passing & Historical Legacy — Crane Brinton passed away on 1968-09-07, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Crane Brinton

True or False: “The primary focus of Clarence Crane Brinton's scholarship was the history of the American Republic.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Brinton was primarily an American historian specializing in France and the history of ideas, not the American Republic.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Luthuli — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.
• Alexander Calder — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): Pioneering American sculptor celebrated for kinetic mobiles and monumental abstract forms.
• Alfred Eisenstaedt — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): Iconic photojournalist known for capturing candid moments and the euphoria of history.
• Abrar-ul-Haq — Contemporary (Born in 1968) (1968): Esteemed Pakistani singer, philanthropist, and former politician from Punjab.
• Adam McKay — Contemporary (Born in 1968) (1968): Acclaimed American filmmaker known for satirical comedies and high-profile adaptations.
• Ajay Devgn — Contemporary (Born in 1968) (1968): Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker known for diverse roles in Hindi cinema.
• Abba Eban — Shared historical date (02-02 · Born) (1915): Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar of Arabic and Hebrew languages.
• Abdullah I of Jordan — Shared historical date (02-02 · Born) (1882): Ruler of Jordan who transitioned from British protectorate to independent Hashemite King.
• A. J. P. Taylor — Shared historical date (09-07 · Died) (1990): Influential English historian specializing in 19th and 20th-century European diplomacy.
• Abdou Diouf — Shared historical date (09-07 · Born) (1935): Senegalese politician who served as President of Senegal from 1981 to 2000.
• 1898 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1898
• February 2 (02-02) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 2
• 1968 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1968
• September 7 (09-07) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 7

Frequently Asked Questions about Crane Brinton