John J. McCusker II: A Legacy in American Economic History
John J. McCusker II is a distinguished scholar whose work has profoundly shaped our understanding of the financial foundations of early America. Holding the title of Ewing Halsell Distinguished Professor of American History and Professor of Economics at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, McCusker has dedicated his career to analyzing the intricate relationship between commerce, currency, and the development of the Atlantic world.
Key Facts
- Academic Specialization: Expert in US economic and business history and 17th-18th century British America.
- Education: Earned his doctorate in 1970 from the University of Pittsburgh.
- Notable Work: Co-authored The Economy of British America, 1607-1789, an award-winning academic text.
- Teaching Tenure: Taught for 24 years at the University of Maryland and later at Trinity University until 2015.
- Honorary Role: Adjunct Professor of early American History at the University of Texas in Austin since 1994.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Raised in upstate New York, McCusker pursued a rigorous academic path that took him to several prestigious institutions. His graduate studies were marked by mentorship from some of the most influential figures in economic science. He studied under Robert W. Fogel—the 1993 Nobel Laureate in Economic Science—at the University of Rochester, and worked with Harry C. Allen at University College London.
McCusker completed his formal education at the University of Pittsburgh, where he worked under the direction of Carter Goodrich. He received his doctoral degree in 1970, setting the stage for a prolific career in historical research.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]A Distinguished Teaching Career
McCusker's commitment to education spanned several decades and multiple institutions. He spent 24 years as a faculty member at the University of Maryland, College Park, before relocating to Texas in 1992. He subsequently joined the faculty at Trinity University, where he taught until his retirement in 2015.
Throughout his tenure, he developed and taught a diverse range of courses, including general US history, US economic and business history, and the history of British America during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. His influence extended beyond his primary appointments; since 1994, he has served as an Adjunct Professor of early American History at the University of Texas in Austin in an honorary capacity.
Contributions to Economic Literature
McCusker is widely recognized for his extensive bibliography, which focuses on the mechanics of early modern trade and finance. His work often utilizes a deflator—a tool used to remove the effects of inflation from a series of prices—to determine the real value of historical currency.
One of his most acclaimed works, The Economy of British America, 1607-1789 (co-authored with Russell Menard), received significant critical praise, including the Outstanding Academic Book for 1985–1986 by Choice and a Distinguished Book Award Honorable Mention from the Society of Colonial Wars.
| Year | Title | Co-Author/Editor |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Money and Exchange in Europe and America, 1600-1775: A Handbook | Solo |
| 1985 | European Marine Lists and Bills of Entry | Solo |
| 1985 | The Economy of British America, 1607-1789 | Russell Menard |
| 1989 | Rum and the American Revolution | Solo |
| 1991 | The Beginnings of Commercial and Financial Journalism | Cora Gravesteijn |
| 1992 | How Much Is That in Real Money? | Solo |
| 1997 | Essays in the Economic History of the Atlantic World | Solo |
| 2001 | The Early Modern Atlantic Economy | Kenneth Morgan (Co-editor) |
Personal Life
Beyond his academic achievements, John J. McCusker II is married to Ann Van Pelt. Together, they have five children: Terrie F. Conner, Kenneth W. Florance, John J. McCusker III, Patrick W. McCusker, and Margaret E. McCusker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did John J. McCusker II receive his doctorate?
He received his doctoral degree in 1970 from the University of Pittsburgh, where his dissertation was directed by Carter Goodrich.
Which of his books received major academic awards?
The Economy of British America, 1607-1789, co-authored with Russell Menard, was named the Outstanding Academic Book for 1985–1986 by Choice and received an Honorable Mention for the Distinguished Book Award from the Society of Colonial Wars.
What specific historical periods did Professor McCusker teach?
He specialized in general US history, US economic and business history, and the history of British America during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Who were some of the influential scholars McCusker studied with?
He studied with Robert W. Fogel (a 1993 Nobel Laureate in Economic Science) at the University of Rochester and Harry C. Allen at University College London.
What is the purpose of his work "How Much Is That in Real Money?"
This publication serves as a historical price index intended for use as a deflator of money values within the economy of the United States.