Influential American historian: Charles Austin Beard (1874-1948) was a major figure in American historical scholarship during the first half of the 20th century [Wikipedia].
Professor and prolific writer: Beard was a professor at Columbia University and wrote extensively on history and political science [Wikipedia]. He authored over 40 books, many in collaboration with his wife Mary Ritter Beard, and numerous articles [Columbia University].
Challenged traditional views: Beard's work is known for challenging traditional interpretations of American history, particularly regarding the Founding Fathers. His most famous book, "An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States" (1913), argued that the Constitution was shaped by the economic interests of the Framers [Britannica].
Focus on economic forces: Beard emphasized the role of social and economic factors in shaping historical events. He believed that economic interests played a significant role in the development of American institutions [American Historical Association].
Collaboration with Mary Ritter Beard: Beard co-authored several influential works with his wife Mary, a historian in her own right. Their most famous collaboration, "The Rise of American Civilization" (1927), was a widely used textbook [Wikipedia].