Stephen Henry Roberts
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Sir Stephen Henry Roberts CMG (16 February 1901 in
Maldon, Victoria Maldon is a town in Victoria, Australia, in the Shire of Mount Alexander local government area. It has been designated "Australia's first notable town" and is notable for its 19th-century appearance, maintained since gold-rush days. At the 201 ...
– 17 March 1971) was an Australian academic, writer, historian, international analyst, and university
vice-chancellor A chancellor is a leader of a college or university, usually either the executive or ceremonial head of the university or of a university campus within a university system. In most Commonwealth of Nations, Commonwealth and former Commonwealth n ...
.Schreuder D. M.
Roberts, Sir Stephen Henry (1901–1971)
''
Australian Dictionary of Biography The ''Australian Dictionary of Biography'' (ADB or AuDB) is a national co-operative enterprise founded and maintained by the Australian National University (ANU) to produce authoritative biographical articles on eminent people in Australia's ...
'', Vol. 16, MUP, 2002, pp 104–107. Retrieved 22 December 2009


Early life and education

Roberts was born into a working-class background, the son of French-born parents. His father Christopher Roberts was a miner of Cornish descent, his mother Doris Elsie Whillemina, ''née'' Wagener, of
German German(s) may refer to: * Germany (of or related to) **Germania (historical use) * Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language ** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law **Ger ...
. He attended Castlemaine High School and
Melbourne Teachers' College The Melbourne Teachers' College was an Australian tertiary training institution located on Grattan Street, Carlton. It was renamed the Melbourne State College and then the Melbourne College of Advanced Education. In 1989 it became part of the Un ...
before winning a scholarship to the
University of Melbourne The University of Melbourne is a public research university located in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1853, it is Australia's second oldest university and the oldest in Victoria. Its main campus is located in Parkville, an inner suburb nor ...
, where in 1921 he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts, in 1923 a
Master of Arts A Master of Arts ( la, Magister Artium or ''Artium Magister''; abbreviated MA, M.A., AM, or A.M.) is the holder of a master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is usually contrasted with that of Master of Science. Tho ...
, and in 1930 and a Doctor of Letters. He had studied in the history department of Professor Sir Ernest Scott, and after graduating with first-class honours won Wyselaskie scholarships in English constitutional history and political economy, and the Dwight prize in
sociology Sociology is a social science that focuses on society, human social behavior, patterns of Interpersonal ties, social relationships, social interaction, and aspects of culture associated with everyday life. It uses various methods of Empirical ...
.


Early academic career

Roberts was appointed assistant lecturer and tutor in British history. His master's degree had involved original research into Australia's pioneering history, published in 1924 as ''History of Australian Land Settlement, 1788–1920''. In 1925 he attended the first conference sponsored by the Institute of Pacific Relations, in
Honolulu Honolulu (; ) is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Hawaii, which is in the Pacific Ocean. It is an unincorporated county seat of the consolidated City and County of Honolulu, situated along the southeast coast of the island ...
, where he presented a paper on Australia's role in a changing Pacific; this was published in 1927 under the title ''Population Problems in the Pacific''. He won a Harbison-Higinbotham research scholarship in 1929 from the University of London, where he studied at the
London School of Economics , mottoeng = To understand the causes of things , established = , type = Public research university , endowment = £240.8 million (2021) , budget = £391.1 millio ...
. Here he was taught by
Harold Laski Harold Joseph Laski (30 June 1893 – 24 March 1950) was an English political theorist and economist. He was active in politics and served as the chairman of the British Labour Party from 1945 to 1946 and was a professor at the London School of ...
and Lillian Knowles, and chose French colonial policy from the 1870s to the 1920s as his dissertation topic, carrying out much of the archival work in Paris. Roberts married Thelma Asche in
Paddington, London Paddington is an area within the City of Westminster, in Central London. First a medieval parish then a metropolitan borough, it was integrated with Westminster and Greater London in 1965. Three important landmarks of the district are Paddingto ...
in 1927, after which he returned to Melbourne as a research fellow at Melbourne University. In 1929 he successfully applied for the Challis chair of history at the
University of Sydney The University of Sydney (USYD), also known as Sydney University, or informally Sydney Uni, is a public research university located in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and is one of the country's si ...
succeeding Professor G. A. Wood. Roberts' original research over eight years led to the publication of six books. In 1929 his is doctoral thesis became a two-volume ''History of French Colonial Policy (1870–1925)''. This was followed in 1932 by his text for schools, ''Modern British History'', co-written with C. H. Currey, and in 1933 the ''History of Modern Europe''. His 1935 book ''Australia and the Far East'' concerned international studies, after which he returned to Australian history with ''The Squatting Age in Australia, 1835–1847''. His interpretations in these works became standard and the focus for debate in their fields.


Attitudes to history teaching

Intellectually Roberts was a utilitarian who attracted other like thinkers in what became the 'Sydney school'. This school of thought espoused the importance of rigorous application of data and was critical of a romantic view of the past. After World War II Roberts developed American studies. He had advanced breadth in the teaching of history, and in 1938 helped formulate school curriculum and history papers to his own world view as a member of the Board of Secondary School Studies. His ''History of Modern Europe'' became a core textbook. Roberts became a member of the Mitchell Library committee and trustee of the
State Library of New South Wales The State Library of New South Wales, part of which is known as the Mitchell Library, is a large heritage-listed special collections, reference and research library open to the public and is one of the oldest libraries in Australia. Establish ...
.


Popular writer and broadcaster

In the 1930s Roberts became an international analyst and public lecturer, and wrote for ''
The Sydney Morning Herald ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' (''SMH'') is a daily compact newspaper published in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and owned by Nine. Founded in 1831 as the ''Sydney Herald'', the ''Herald'' is the oldest continuously published newspaper ...
'' on diplomatic and political matters; later during World War II, he was the newspaper's war correspondent. He was also associated with the
Australian Institute of International Affairs The Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) is an Australian research institute and think tank which focuses on International relations. It publishes the ''Australian Journal of International Affairs''. It is one of the oldest act ...
, the Sydney group of the
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, and the Institute of Pacific Relations. His "Notes on the News" was presented on
ABC ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet. ABC or abc may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting * American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster ** Disney–ABC Television ...
from 1932. After the war, his public roles took precedence over his research and precluded the writing of further histories. Roberts had met
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leaders and attended their rallies. In 1937 this, with his knowledge of central European history, led to his most noted book, ''The House That Hitler Built''. This brought to light
Hitler Adolf Hitler (; 20 April 188930 April 1945) was an Austrian-born German politician who was dictator of Germany from 1933 until his death in 1945. He rose to power as the leader of the Nazi Party, becoming the chancellor in 1933 and then ...
's Reich and the persecution of the Jews and forewarned of a probable world war. The book, addressed to the ordinary reader, was translated into other languages and frequently reprinted. It was read with admiration by the British Prime Minister,
Neville Chamberlain Arthur Neville Chamberlain (; 18 March 18699 November 1940) was a British politician of the Conservative Party who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from May 1937 to May 1940. He is best known for his foreign policy of appeasemen ...
, but he disagreed with Roberts' conclusions. He wrote after finishing the book: "If I accepted the author's conclusions, I should despair, but I don't and won't". Horace Rumbold, who had been the British Ambassador to Germany from 1928 to 1933, sent the British government minister,
Lord Halifax Edward Frederick Lindley Wood, 1st Earl of Halifax, (16 April 1881 – 23 December 1959), known as The Lord Irwin from 1925 until 1934 and The Viscount Halifax from 1934 until 1944, was a senior British Conservative politician of the 19 ...
, a copy of ''The House That Hitler Built'' in November 1937, shortly before Halifax's meeting with Hitler. Rumbold explained to his son: "It contains an admirable character sketch of Hitler. I thought it just as well that Halifax should realise the sort of man he was dealing with".Martin Gilbert, ''Sir Horace Rumbold: Portrait of a Diplomat, 1869–1941'' (London: Heinemann, 1973), p. 431.


Later academic career

In 1946 Roberts became Acting Vice-Chancellor of The
University of Sydney The University of Sydney (USYD), also known as Sydney University, or informally Sydney Uni, is a public research university located in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and is one of the country's si ...
, the full post confirmed in 1947. In 1955 he became the university's principal. He chaired the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee in 1952–53. While principal he called for financial backing for university foundations from leaders of commerce, industry and public life. The success of these appeals enabled the university to be promoted abroad. He developed and expanded the University of Sydney after post-war austerity ended, and oversaw a building programme extension into
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. This development was aided by Sir Keith Murray's 1957 Committee on Australian Universities with concomitant funding from the Australian government. Roberts gave support to the training of Pacific Islanders and
Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea (abbreviated PNG; , ; tpi, Papua Niugini; ho, Papua Niu Gini), officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea ( tpi, Independen Stet bilong Papua Niugini; ho, Independen Stet bilong Papua Niu Gini), is a country i ...
ns in Sydney's medical faculty, while he celebrated Charles Perkins as the first Aborigine to graduate with a degree. From 1952 he chaired the New South Wales State Cancer Council. Having transformed the
University of Sydney The University of Sydney (USYD), also known as Sydney University, or informally Sydney Uni, is a public research university located in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and is one of the country's si ...
into a modern institution of more than 16,000 students, in 1967 Roberts retired, leaving Sydney with new faculties and increased research capacity. His archives hold his notes for major work on ''The Mind of France''. The project remained unfinished.


Death

Roberts died as a consequence of heart disease in March 1971 on board ship near Port Melbourne, while travelling to Europe with his wife.


Honours

*1948:
Honorary doctorate An honorary degree is an academic degree for which a university (or other degree-awarding institution) has waived all of the usual requirements. It is also known by the Latin phrases ''honoris causa'' ("for the sake of the honour") or ''ad hon ...
,
University of Bristol , mottoeng = earningpromotes one's innate power (from Horace, ''Ode 4.4'') , established = 1595 – Merchant Venturers School1876 – University College, Bristol1909 – received royal charter , type ...
, England *1953: Honorary doctorate,
Durham University , mottoeng = Her foundations are upon the holy hills (Psalm 87:1) , established = (university status) , type = Public , academic_staff = 1,830 (2020) , administrative_staff = 2,640 (2018/19) , chancellor = Sir Thomas Allen , vice_chan ...
, England *1956: Honorary doctorate,
University of British Columbia The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public university, public research university with campuses near Vancouver and in Kelowna, British Columbia. Established in 1908, it is British Columbia's oldest university. The university ranks a ...
, Canada *1956: Companion of the
Order of St Michael and St George The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is a British order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George IV, George IV, Prince of Wales, while he was acting as prince regent for his father, George III, King George III. ...
, Great Britain *1957: Honorary doctorate, University of New England, Australia *1958: Honorary doctorate,
McGill University McGill University (french: link=no, Université McGill) is an English-language public research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1821 by royal charter granted by King George IV,Frost, Stanley Brice. ''McGill Universit ...
, Canada *1960: Commander of the
Order of the Dannebrog The Order of the Dannebrog ( da, Dannebrogordenen) is a Danish order of chivalry instituted in 1671 by Christian V. Until 1808, membership in the order was limited to fifty members of noble or royal rank, who formed a single class known a ...
, Denmark *1961: National Order of the Cedar, Lebanon *1964: Order of the Phoenix, Greece *1965:
Knight Bachelor The title of Knight Bachelor is the basic rank granted to a man who has been knighted by the monarch but not inducted as a member of one of the organised orders of chivalry; it is a part of the British honours system. Knights Bachelor are the ...
, Great Britain *1967:
Order of Merit The Order of Merit (french: link=no, Ordre du Mérite) is an order of merit for the Commonwealth realms, recognising distinguished service in the armed forces, science, art, literature, or for the promotion of culture. Established in 1902 by K ...
, Italy *1967:
Legion of Honour The National Order of the Legion of Honour (french: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur), formerly the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour ('), is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. Established in 1802 by Napoleon, ...
, France *1968: Honorary doctorate,
University of Sydney The University of Sydney (USYD), also known as Sydney University, or informally Sydney Uni, is a public research university located in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and is one of the country's si ...
, Australia


References


Selected bibliography

*Wood D. R. V. (1986) ''Stephen Henry Roberts, Historian and Vice-Chancellor'', University of Sydney *Schreuder D.M. (1992) "A Second Foundation: S. H. Roberts as Challis Professor 1929–47" in ''History at Sydney, 1891–1991'', editor B. Caine. University of Sydney *Schreuder D.M. (1995) "An Unconventional Founder" in ''The Discovery of Australian History, 1890–1939'', editors S. Macintyre and J. Thomas, University of Melbourne *Connell W. F. (1995) ''Australia's First'', vol 2, University of Sydney *Walsh G. (1970) ''Australia: History and Historians'', University of Canberra *''Gazette'', University of Sydney, May 1967, p 193 *''Australian Journal of Politics and History'', 46, no 1, 2000, p 1 *''Sydney Morning Herald'': 10 April 1929, 8 September 1932, 5 March 1937, 6 July 1949, 2 January 1956, 5 October 1963, 1 January 1965, 31 August 1967, 26 January 1968, 20 March 1971 *''Roberts papers'', University of Sydney Archives *''R. M. Crawford papers'', University of Melbourne Archives *''E. Scott papers'', National Library of Australia {{DEFAULTSORT:Roberts, Stephen Henry 1901 births 1971 deaths Companions of the Order of St Michael and St George Commanders of the Order of the Dannebrog Knights of the National Order of the Cedar Commanders of the Order of the Phoenix (Greece) Recipients of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic Commandeurs of the Légion d'honneur Alumni of the London School of Economics Vice-Chancellors of the University of Sydney 20th-century Australian historians Historians of Australia