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Stephen E. Ambrose

77quotes

Stephen E. Ambrose: A Life of History and Purpose


Full Name and Common Aliases


Stephen Edward Ambrose was born on January 10, 1936, in Decatur, Illinois. He is often referred to as Steve Ambrose by friends and colleagues.

Birth and Death Dates


Ambrose passed away on October 13, 2002, at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and educate readers worldwide.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Stephen E. Ambrose was an American historian, author, and educator. He held dual citizenship in both the United States and Canada.

Early Life and Background


Ambrose grew up in Whitewater, Wisconsin, where he developed a passion for history and writing at a young age. His father, William Edward Ambrose, was a professor of economics at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. This exposure to academic rigor and intellectual curiosity laid the foundation for Ambrose's future pursuits.

As a child, Ambrose was fascinated by stories from his family about their ancestors who fought in the Civil War. These tales sparked a lifelong interest in history, particularly the American experience during World War II. His father's influence also encouraged Ambrose to explore different fields of study, including economics and politics.

Ambrose attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1957. He went on to earn his Master's degree from Louisiana State University in 1960 and his Ph.D. in 1963. His doctoral dissertation focused on the life of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Major Accomplishments


Ambrose's academic career spanned over four decades, during which he taught at various institutions, including the University of New Orleans, the University of Oregon, and Louisiana State University. He served as the founding director of the Eisenhower Center for American Studies at the University of New Orleans from 1983 until his death in 2002.

Ambrose's work on World War II was instrumental in shaping the field of military history. His research and writing brought attention to the experiences of ordinary soldiers, rather than just focusing on high-ranking officers or major events. This approach humanized the war effort and provided readers with a more nuanced understanding of the complexities involved.

Notable Works or Actions


Ambrose authored over 30 books, including "Eisenhower: Soldier, General of the Army, President-Elect, Ambassador at War" (1983) and "Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Berchtesgaden" (1992). He also co-authored several books with historian Douglas Brinkley.

One of Ambrose's most notable works is the six-part documentary series "The Last Battle," which aired on PBS in 2001. This project explored the final days of World War II, providing a comprehensive and engaging account of the war's conclusion.

Impact and Legacy


Stephen E. Ambrose's contributions to American history and education are undeniable. He brought attention to the experiences of ordinary soldiers during World War II, shedding light on their struggles and triumphs. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of military history, inspiring new generations of historians and researchers.

Ambrose's commitment to making history accessible and engaging helped to popularize the subject among a broader audience. His books and documentaries have been widely praised for their clarity, depth, and emotional resonance.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Stephen E. Ambrose is widely quoted and remembered due to his groundbreaking work on World War II and its impact on American society. His ability to convey the complexities of historical events in an engaging and accessible manner has made him a beloved figure among readers and viewers worldwide.

Ambrose's commitment to telling the stories of ordinary soldiers, rather than just focusing on high-ranking officers or major events, has helped to create a more nuanced understanding of the war effort. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of historians, researchers, and writers, ensuring that his impact will be felt for years to come.

Quotes by Stephen E. Ambrose

Both Custer and Crazy Horse, in short, still had much to learn about each other.
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Both Custer and Crazy Horse, in short, still had much to learn about each other.
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Like their predecessors, the Presidents of today just throw up their hands.
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Like their predecessors, the Presidents of today just throw up their hands.
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Lieutenant Welsh remembered walking around among the sleeping men, and thinking to himself that ’they had looked at and smelled death all around them all day but never even dreamed of applying the term to themselves. They hadn’t come here to fear. They hadn’t come to die. They had come to win.
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Lieutenant Welsh remembered walking around among the sleeping men, and thinking to himself that ’they had looked at and smelled death all around them all day but never even dreamed of applying the term to themselves. They hadn’t come here to fear. They hadn’t come to die. They had come to win.
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Speirs was an officer with a reputation. Slim, fairly tall, dark hair, stern, ruggedly handsome, he cultivated the look of a leader, and acted it.
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Speirs was an officer with a reputation. Slim, fairly tall, dark hair, stern, ruggedly handsome, he cultivated the look of a leader, and acted it.
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Trial by jury. Live wherever you can make a living. How could a government based on such principles fail?
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Trial by jury. Live wherever you can make a living. How could a government based on such principles fail?
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Neighbors are far better acoustic analyzers for determining the quality of their life versus any acoustic instrument left unattended by an expert.
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Neighbors are far better acoustic analyzers for determining the quality of their life versus any acoustic instrument left unattended by an expert.
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Writing is not the easiest way to make a living. Your work long hours, usually all by yourself. It is not a way to make money.
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Writing is not the easiest way to make a living. Your work long hours, usually all by yourself. It is not a way to make money.
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My favorite book is the last one printed, which is always better than those that were published earlier.
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My favorite book is the last one printed, which is always better than those that were published earlier.
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The medics were the most popular, respected, and appreciated men in the company. Their weapons were first-aid kits, their place on the line was wherever a man called out that he was wounded.
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The medics were the most popular, respected, and appreciated men in the company. Their weapons were first-aid kits, their place on the line was wherever a man called out that he was wounded.
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When a man was hit hard enough for evacuation, he was usually very happy, and we were happy for him – he had a ticket out to the hospital, or even a ticket home – alive. “When a man was killed – he looked ‘so peaceful.’ His suffering was over.
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When a man was hit hard enough for evacuation, he was usually very happy, and we were happy for him – he had a ticket out to the hospital, or even a ticket home – alive. “When a man was killed – he looked ‘so peaceful.’ His suffering was over.
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