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Walter Frederick LaFeberProminent American historian
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Walter LaFeber: A Prominent Historian of American Foreign Relations
- Academic Career
- Research and Publications
- Among his most notable works are:
- "The Clash: US-Japanese Relations Throughout History" (1984, 1992)
- Personal Life
Walter LaFeber: A Prominent Historian of American Foreign Relations
Early Life and EducationWalter LaFeber was born into a family of modest means, but with a father who encouraged his pursuit of higher education. He earned a bachelor's degree from Hanover College in 1955 and a master's degree from Stanford University in 1956. In 1959, he received his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Academic Career
LaFeber began his academic career as an instructor at Cornell University in 1959. From 1968 to 2002, he held the position of professor at Cornell. In 1994, he was named a Stephen Weiss Presidential Teaching Fellow. In 2002, he was appointed Andrew Tisch and James Tisch University Professor Emeritus.
Over the course of his career, LaFeber served as president of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations, was a Guggenheim Fellow, and was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He also served on the editorial boards of numerous academic journals.
Research and Publications
LaFeber's primary research interest was the history of American foreign relations. He published numerous books and articles on topics including the Soviet Union, Russia, the Cold War, and international relations.
Among his most notable works are:
"The New Empire: An Interpretation of American Expansion, 1860-1898" (1963, 1998)
"Invetitable Revolutions: The United States in Central America" (1984, 1992)
"The Clash: US-Japanese Relations Throughout History" (1984, 1992)
"Michael Jordan and the New Global Capitalism" (1999, 2000)Teaching Legacy
LaFeber was a celebrated teacher at Cornell University. His courses and seminars attracted hundreds of students. Known for his warmth and engaging style, he incorporated humor and drama into his lectures to make difficult material accessible and interesting to his students.
Personal Life
Walter LaFeber is married to Sandra LaFeber. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Together, they have raised two children, Scott and Susannah, who have blessed them with two grandchildren, Trevor and Matt.
