George Bancroft is best remembered as a popular nineteenth-century historian. He led a complex life and played an important role in Transcendentalist reform movements. Although never formally part of the Transcendentalist group, he espoused and practiced a similar philosophy. While in college he started to follow in his father's footsteps and planned a career in the ministry. During this time he developed the view that all men can discover God's humanity and have an innate capacity for morality and reason. Although he did not become a clergy member, this sensibility became a part of his writing, teaching, and politics.

Bancroft's life was enriched by opportunities afforded him by his travels and friendships early in life. During his college career in Germany he traveled extensively and met many eminent American and European philosophers, politicians, and authors. Soon after his return from Europe, he opened a boy's school based on...