Renowned for his meticulous research and insightful writings on American history, particularly the colonial era and early national periods. His works remain essential reading for historians and scholars.
Harry Cranbrook Allen was a renowned British historian of the United States, known for his groundbreaking research and contributions to the field of American Studies. Throughout his illustrious career, he delved into the complexities of American history, politics, and culture, leaving an indelible mark on the academic community.
Born on 23 March 1917, Allen was educated at Bedford School and Pembroke College, Oxford, where he earned a first-class degree in Modern History. His academic prowess earned him a Fellowship from the Commonwealth Fund of New York in 1939, which he took up at Harvard University after the Second World War.
During the Second World War, Allen served with the Hertfordshire Regiment and the Dorset Regiment in France and Germany. He was promoted to the rank of Major, awarded the Military Cross, and appointed as Commandant of the 43rd Division Educational College, between June and November 1945. His wartime service and bravery earned him a special place in the annals of history.
Allen's academic career was marked by numerous distinguished positions and achievements. He was Fellow and Tutor in Modern History at Lincoln College, Oxford, between 1946 and 1955, and later became the Commonwealth Fund Professor of American History at University College London, between 1955 and 1971. He also served as the Director of the Institute of United States Studies at the University of London, between 1966 and 1971.
Additionally, Allen held positions as Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia, between 1971 and 1980, and Dean of the School of English and American Studies at the University of East Anglia, between 1974 and 1976. He was Emeritus Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia, between 1980 and 1998.
Allen's academic excellence and expertise in American Studies earned him numerous international engagements and honors. He was a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian National University, Canberra, and a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, between 1953 and 1954. He also delivered the prestigious Schouler Lectures at Johns Hopkins University in 1956 and was an American Studies Fellow at the Commonwealth Fund of New York in 1957.
Furthermore, Allen was a Visiting Member of the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, New Jersey, in 1959, and held Visiting Professorships at the University of Rochester in 1963 and the University of Michigan in 1966. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society in 1955 and chaired the British Association for American Studies between 1974 and 1977.
Harry Cranbrook Allen's contributions to American Studies have had a lasting impact on the field. His work has inspired generations of scholars and continues to shape our understanding of the United States and its complex history. Through his tireless efforts, Allen has left an indelible mark on the academic community, ensuring his legacy as one of the pioneering historians of the United States.
Allen's passing on 21 June 1998 marked the end of an era, but his work continues to inspire and educate scholars and enthusiasts alike. His life and achievements serve as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a passion for knowledge.
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