Edward A. Ross Papers, 1859-1969

Summary Information

Title: Edward A. Ross Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1859-1969

Creator:
  • Ross, Edward Alsworth, 1866-1951
Call Number: Wis Mss RV; Micro 927; PH Wis Mss RV; PH Wis Mss RV (3); PH 1684; PH 1978; PH 3035

Quantity: 15.0 cubic feet (38 archives boxes), 40 reels of microfilm (35 mm), 129 photographs, 1 drawing, and 1 book

Repository:
Archival Locations:
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

Abstract:
Papers of Edward A. Ross, a supporter of liberal causes and an influential sociologist at the University of Wisconsin. Correspondence with fellow sociologists, representatives of sociological organizations, University of Wisconsin colleagues, and publishers document the major events and interests of his long career. From 1893 to 1900 the letters particularly indicate his views on bimetallism and capitalism, and many discuss the rift with Mrs. Leland Stanford which led to his departure from the faculty of Stanford University and subsequent academic freedom issues. Throughout the correspondence many letters reflect his interest in problems of population pressure, eugenics, and immigration restriction. During the 1930s his correspondence shows his interest in the New Deal, and his advocacy of federal health insurance and of the income tax in opposition to the sales tax. After Ross retired from active teaching in 1937, he lectured frequently on behalf of temperance education, worked for the American Committee for the Defense of Leon Trotsky, and aided the American Civil Liberties Union during the early years of World War II in support of conscientious objectors and of other efforts to offset wartime hysteria. Also present are field notes and class lectures, copies of articles and speeches, and drafts and revisions of Ross's best-known book, Principles of Sociology, travel diaries, photographs, scrapbooks of clipped newspaper and periodical materials, 1892-1909, and a box of unmounted newspaper articles, primarily of later dates, reveal the extent to which Ross became a national and sometimes a controversial figure in the development of sociological thought.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-wis000rv