Affiliated Departments & Programs

Max Ehrenfreund is a historian of ideas as well as a historian of science. His research concerns the significance of quantitative expertise, especially accounting and statistics, to European social thought and political theory. These forms of knowledge are essential to state power, and the theme of the role of numbers recurs again and again in debates about modern society.

Beginning in the 19th century, German-speaking economists, philosophers and social scientists fashioned the methods and concepts of accounting into a theory of human reason, as Ehrenfreund’s dissertation showed. In his published research, he has described the interplay of high diplomacy, statistical science, and the idea of sovereignty at the League of Nations.

Born and raised in Oregon, Ehrenfreund reported for the Washington Post before becoming a historian.

Areas of Expertise

Economic history; social history; modern Europe

Education

2024 — Doctor of Philosophy from Harvard University

2012 — Bachelor of Arts from Yale University

Courses Recently Taught

The European continent is incredibly diverse: geographically, culturally, economically, ethnically and politically (to name only the most obvious factors). Throughout the semester we explore this diversity of experiences since the end of the 18th century. We look at issues of race, class and gender, as well as violence, poverty, faith, nationalism, technology and art. We read novels and memoirs, watch films and listen to music as we hone our historical knowledge and sensibilities regarding modern Europe, its peoples and its governments. We examine the fates of a variety of nations, using examples from across the continent. This counts toward the modern and Europe/Americas requirements for the major. No prerequisite

Special Topic

This seminar introduces students to the German National Socialist regime, to major historical debates in the field, and to methods of historical research and writing. We begin with the rise of the NS party and the problems of the Weimar Republic in the late 1920s and end with the defeat of Germany and its military occupation after May 1945, looking at major questions including anti-Semitism; Nazi party support; collaboration; terror; and the roles of gender, class and sexuality. The course uses the perspective of daily life to look at the history of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust through sources from below, and the work of historians who use these sources. Students become familiar with the major events of the period and explore many historical debates in depth in the seminar. They also explore a topic of their own choosing through progressive assignments, developing their skills in research and analysis. Prior coursework in European history is strongly recommended. This counts toward the modern and Europe/Americas requirements for the major. No prerequisite. Sophomore standing.