Charles Warren: Progressive, historian

Charles Warren (1868-1954), familiar to students of history and law as the author of The Supreme Court in United States History (1922), had a productive career as a lawyer and public servant before devoting the bulk of his time to writing history. This dissertation considers Warren as a man of Progressive ideas and deeds whose contributions endure and will continue to influence attorneys, jurists, and scholars for generations to come.;The dissertation first describes Warren's patrician background, education (Harvard College and Law School), and reform activities with leading Massachusetts Mugwumps. It also describes Warren's early literary attempts--especially his tales of romantic and political affairs--that reflect his concern over the nation's social and political ills.;Fresh out of law school, Warren was one of the organizers and leaders of the Immigration Restriction League--the group that led the fight for a literacy test as a means of regulation. Warren also took on the struggles against imperialism, woman suffrage, and municipal corruption. From 1905-11, Warren served on the Massachusetts Civil Service Commission, making some significant enemies in the process, particularly Martin Lomasney, the "Mahatma" of Boston's Ward Eight.;Three years later, Warren was called to Washington to serve as Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice (1914-18). Warren's skills and experience as an advocate, historian, and administrator were in great demand as the nation moved closer to involvement in the First World War. Once the United States joined the conflict, and Warren's groundbreaking work on the law of neutrality was no longer pertinent, Warren's concern over the dangers posed by alien enemies led to increased internecine friction and ultimately to a forced resignation.;Washington would continue to be Warren's home for the remainder of his life. He was fully prepared for the pursuit of his three chief interests--writing history (mainly legal and constitutional); supporting his beloved alma mater, Harvard; and debating questions of international law at the highest levels of popular and political discourse.