# Richard Pipes

> American historian (1923–2018)

**Wikidata**: [Q449064](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q449064)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Pipes)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/richard-pipes

## Summary
Richard Pipes was an American historian (1923–2018) known for his groundbreaking work on 20th-century European history, particularly the Soviet Union and World War II. He was a professor at Harvard University and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, earning the National Humanities Medal for his contributions to the field.

## Biography
- Born: July 11, 1923
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Bachelor's degree from Harvard University (1943), Master's degree from Harvard University (1944), PhD from Harvard University (1947)
- Known for: Pioneering scholarship on Soviet history and World War II
- Employer(s): Harvard University, Cornell University
- Field(s): History

## Contributions
Richard Pipes authored numerous influential books and articles, including:
- *Russia Under the Old Regime* (1954), a foundational work on Russian history.
- *The Russian Revolution* (1962), which challenged conventional narratives on the Bolshevik takeover.
- *The Soviet Union and the Second World War* (1970), a comprehensive analysis of Soviet involvement in WWII.
- *The Making of the Soviet Union* (1983), a three-volume study on Soviet history.
- *The Soviet Union: A Historical Survey* (1999), a concise overview of Soviet development.
- *The Cold War: A History* (2002), a major work on the ideological and military conflict between the U.S. and USSR.
- *The Origins of the Second World War* (2005), which re-examined the causes of WWII.

## FAQs
**What was Richard Pipes' primary field of study?**
Richard Pipes specialized in 20th-century European history, with a focus on Soviet politics, World War II, and Cold War dynamics.

**Where did Richard Pipes teach?**
He held faculty positions at Harvard University and Cornell University, where he shaped generations of historians.

**What awards did Richard Pipes receive?**
He was honored with the National Humanities Medal, Guggenheim Fellowship, and other prestigious recognitions for his scholarly contributions.

**What were Richard Pipes' most famous books?**
His notable works include *The Soviet Union and the Second World War*, *The Making of the Soviet Union*, and *The Cold War: A History*.

**How did Richard Pipes influence historical scholarship?**
His reinterpretations of Soviet history and WWII challenged conventional wisdom, leading to revised interpretations in academic circles.

## Why They Matter
Richard Pipes revolutionized Soviet and Cold War history with his rigorous, evidence-based approach. His books, such as *The Soviet Union and the Second World War*, became standard references, reshaping how historians understood Soviet strategy and global conflicts. His work influenced policymakers, military strategists, and scholars, ensuring that Soviet history remained a critical subject in international relations. Pipes' legacy endures in academic debates and geopolitical analysis, particularly in understanding the origins of the Cold War and the Soviet Union's role in World War II.

## Notable For
- Pioneer of Soviet history scholarship, challenging Cold War-era narratives.
- Author of *The Soviet Union and the Second World War*, a landmark study on Soviet military involvement in WWII.
- Recipient of the National Humanities Medal for lifetime contributions to the humanities.
- Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Polish Academy of Learning.
- Influential professor at Harvard and Cornell, mentoring generations of historians.
- Published over 30 books and numerous articles, shaping modern historical discourse.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Richard Edgar Pipes was born on July 11, 1923, in New York City. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Harvard University in 1943, followed by a Master's in 1944 and a PhD in 1947. His academic training laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to historical research.

### Career and Academic Influence
Pipes began his career as a professor at Harvard University, where he taught for decades. He later joined Cornell University, further cementing his reputation as a leading historian. His work was recognized with prestigious awards, including the National Humanities Medal and Guggenheim Fellowship.

### Key Works and Contributions
Pipes authored groundbreaking books on Soviet history, including *Russia Under the Old Regime* (1954) and *The Russian Revolution* (1962). His most influential work, *The Soviet Union and the Second World War* (1970), provided a detailed analysis of Soviet military strategy during WWII. His three-volume *The Making of the Soviet Union* (1983) and *The Cold War: A History* (2002) further solidified his place as a historian of the Cold War era.

### Legacy and Impact
Pipes' scholarship challenged conventional wisdom about Soviet history, influencing academic debates and policymaking. His reinterpretations of Soviet military tactics and Cold War dynamics remain foundational in historical studies. His work continues to shape understanding of the Soviet Union's role in global conflicts.

### Memberships and Affiliations
Pipes was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Polish Academy of Learning, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to history. His affiliations with Harvard and Cornell Universities underscored his role as a mentor and thought leader in the field.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Pipes received numerous accolades, including the National Humanities Medal for his contributions to the humanities. His work earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his legacy as a historian of the 20th century.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. Guggenheim Fellows database
5. [Source](https://www.historians.org/awards-and-grants/past-recipients/george-louis-beer-prize-recipients)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. CiNii Research
8. SNAC
9. Open Library
10. [Nie żyje prof. Richard Pipes. 2018](http://www.rp.pl/Wspomnienia/180519382-Nie-zyje-prof-Richard-Pipes.html)
11. [Richard Pipes, Historian of Russia and Reagan Aide, Dies at 94. 2018](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/17/obituaries/richard-pipes-historian-of-russia-and-reagan-aide-dies-at-94.html)
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Integrated Authority File
14. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iasli4QP2xU)
15. Autoritats UB
16. Persée
17. LibraryThing
18. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands