Meaning: The quote refers to Charles Austin Beard, a prominent American historian known for his interpretation of history through the lens of economic interests and class conflict. The quote suggests that Beard held a strong aversion to war and that this sentiment influenced his historical writings, leading him to downplay the significance of military aspects of history in favor of emphasizing the role of economic forces.

Charles Beard was a leading figure in the "Progressive School" of American historiography, which emerged in the early 20th century. This school of thought sought to reinterpret American history by focusing on economic and social factors, rather than the traditional emphasis on political and military events. Beard's most famous work, "An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States," exemplifies this approach, as he argued that the Founding Fathers' motivations were largely driven by their economic interests and class affiliations.

As the quote suggests, Beard's aversion to war was a consistent theme throughout his career. He was a vocal critic of American involvement in World War I and opposed the country's entry into the conflict. This anti-war stance can be seen as a natural outgrowth of Beard's broader worldview, which emphasized the primacy of economic factors in shaping historical events. From this perspective, war was often viewed as a product of underlying economic tensions and power struggles, rather than as a decisive or transformative force in its own right.

Beard's approach to history has been both influential and controversial. Critics have argued that his focus on economic determinism oversimplified complex historical events and neglected the role of individual agency and ideology. In the case of his interpretation of the Constitution, Beard's emphasis on economic motivations sparked intense debate and criticism from scholars who saw the document as a product of broader political and philosophical currents.

However, Beard's work also had a lasting impact on the study of history, particularly in the way it encouraged historians to consider the social and economic context in which events unfold. His emphasis on the influence of economic interests in shaping historical developments paved the way for later scholars to explore the interconnectedness of economic, political, and social forces in their analyses of the past.

Samuel Eliot Morison, the author of the quote, was himself a distinguished historian and biographer, known for his comprehensive and authoritative works on maritime history and the exploration of the Americas. As a fellow historian, Morison's assessment of Beard's approach reflects the ongoing dialogue and debate within the historical profession about the most meaningful and illuminating ways to understand and interpret the past.

In conclusion, the quote encapsulates the central themes of Charles Beard's approach to history, highlighting his aversion to war and his emphasis on economic forces as the driving factors in historical change. While Beard's work has been both influential and contentious, it has contributed to a broader reevaluation of historical narratives, encouraging scholars to consider the complex interplay of economic, social, and political dynamics in their interpretations of the past.