Who Is Howard Zinn? Age, Biography and Wiki
Howard Zinn was born on August 24, 1922, and passed away on January 27, 2010. Although he is no longer with us, Zinn's legacy as a historian and social activist endures. He is best known for his seminal work, A People's History of the United States, published in 1980, where he presented U.S. history through the eyes of the marginalized and oppressed. His contributions to historical scholarship and social justice movements have made him a respected figure in academia and beyond.
As of 2025, knowing that he was 87 years old at the time of his passing, his impact is still felt, with ongoing discussions and studies focused on his ideologies. His Wikipedia page serves as a valuable resource for those wishing to understand Zinn's life and contributions to history and social justice.
| Occupation | Political Scientist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 24, 1922 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 27 January, 2010 |
| Died Place | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Howard Zinn's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details regarding Howard Zinn’s height and weight are not extensively documented, he was known for his moderate build and active presence. Given his focus on social issues, it's evident that Zinn maintained a lifestyle conducive to advocating for the welfare and rights of others.
On July 30, 2010, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request resulted in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) releasing a file with 423 pages of information on Howard Zinn's life and activities.
During the height of McCarthyism in 1949, the FBI first opened a domestic security investigation on Zinn (FBI File # 100-360217), based on Zinn's activities in what the agency considered to be communist front groups, such as the American Labor Party, and informant reports that Zinn was an active member of the Communist Party of the United States (C
PUSA).
Zinn denied ever being a member and said that he had participated in the activities of various organizations which might be considered Communist fronts, but that his participation was motivated by his belief that in this country people had the right to believe, think, and act according to their own ideals.
According to journalist Chris Hedges, Zinn "steadfastly refused to cooperate in the anti-communist witchhunts in the 1950s."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Howard Zinn was married to Roslyn Zinn, a fellow activist and teacher. Together, they shared a commitment to social justice and equity throughout their lives. They had three children, who have continued to honor their father's legacy by advocating for social change. Roslyn Zinn has often spoken about Howard’s dedication to education and activism, reflecting on their supportive partnership.
Though Zinn himself did not have a boyfriend or girlfriend after his marriage, his familial relationships and deep connections with fellow activists illustrate the richness of his personal life.
His father, Eddie Zinn, born in Austria-Hungary, immigrated to the US with his brother Samuel before the outbreak of World War I. His mother, Jenny (Rabinowitz) Zinn, emigrated from the Eastern Siberian city of Irkutsk. His parents first became acquainted as workers at the same factory.
During the Great Depression, his father worked as a ditch digger and window cleaner, and for a brief time, his parents ran a neighborhood candy store, barely earning a living. For many years, Zinn's father was in the waiters' union and worked as a waiter for weddings and bar mitzvahs.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Howard Zinn’s net worth was estimated to be approximately $1.5 million, primarily accrued through his prolific writing, speaking engagements, and teaching positions. His book A People's History of the United States has sold over two million copies, and its continued relevance guarantees his family ongoing royalties. Despite his success, Zinn lived modestly, aligning with his socialist principles.
After World War II, Zinn attended New York University on the GI Bill, graduating with a BA in 1951. At Columbia University, he earned an MA (1952) and a PhD in history with a minor in political science (1958). His master's thesis examined the Colorado coal strikes of 1914.
His doctoral dissertation Fiorello LaGuardia in Congress was a study of Fiorello La Guardia's congressional career, and it depicted "the conscience of the twenties" as LaGuardia fought for public power, the right to strike, and the redistribution of wealth by taxation.
"His specific legislative program," Zinn wrote, "was an astonishingly accurate preview of the New Deal." It was published by the Cornell University Press for the American Historical Association.
Fiorello LaGuardia in Congress was nominated for the American Historical Association's Beveridge Prize as the best English-language book on American history.
Career, Business and Investments
Howard Zinn's career spanned decades, during which he served as a professor at Boston University and participated in various social movements. He was a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy and an advocate for civil rights, peace, and labor movements. His writings and teachings challenged mainstream narratives and encouraged critical thinking about history and politics.
Zinn's involvement in social activism was not just theoretical; he actively participated in protests, including those against the Vietnam War. His estate continues to support initiatives that align with his vision of social equity, influencing new generations of activists and historians.
In 1964, he accepted a position at Boston University (BU), after writing two books and participating in the Civil Rights Movement in the South. His classes in civil liberties were among the most popular at the university with as many as 400 students subscribing each semester to the non-required class. A professor of political science, he taught at BU for 24 years and retired in 1988 at age 66.
Social Network
Howard Zinn was known for his strong communication skills and his ability to engage with audiences across various platforms. Although social media did not exist during his lifetime, his ideas have proliferated through online discussions and platforms, ensuring that his voice remains part of contemporary discourse. His family and admirers frequently share his work, promoting his principles of social justice and historical awareness.
On a post-doctoral research mission nine years later, Zinn visited the resort near Bordeaux where he interviewed residents, reviewed municipal documents, and read wartime newspaper clippings at the local library. In 1966, Zinn returned to Royan after which he gave his fullest account of that research in his book, The Politics of History.
On the ground, Zinn learned that the aerial bombing attacks in which he participated had killed more than a thousand French civilians as well as some German soldiers hiding near Royan to await the war's end, events that are described "in all accounts" he found as "une tragique erreur" that leveled a small but ancient city and "its population that w
as, at least officially, friend, not foe." In The Politics of History, Zinn described how the bombing was ordered—three weeks before the war in Europe ended—by military officials who were, in part, motivated more by the desire for their own career advancement than in legitimate military objectives.
He quotes the official history of the US Army Air Forces' brief reference to the Eighth Air Force attack on Royan and also, in the same chapter, to the bombing of Plzeň in what was then Czechoslovakia.
The official history stated that the Škoda Works in Plzeň "received 500 well-placed tons", and that "because of a warning sent out ahead of time the workers were able to escape, except for five persons. "The Americans received a rapturous welcome when they liberated the city.
Education
Zinn completed his undergraduate education at Brooklyn College and received his Ph.D. from Columbia University. His academic journey was marked by an insatiable curiosity about history, which he pursued fervently. His educational background enabled him to teach and mentor countless students, inspiring them to think critically about societal structures and their implications.
In summary, as we reflect on Howard Zinn in 2025, his contributions as a historian, activist, and educator still resonate deeply. His influence on history, politics, and social reforms continues to inspire individuals seeking to understand and improve the world around them.
Howard Zinn (August 24, 1922 – January 27, 2010) was an American historian and a veteran of World War II. He was chair of the history and social sciences department at Spelman College, and a political science professor at Boston University.
Zinn wrote more than 20 books, including his best-selling and influential A People's History of the United States in 1980. In 2007, he published a version of it for younger readers, A Young People's History of the United States.
