William E. Dodd was an American historian and educator, best known for his work on the history of the American South. He served as a professor at the University of Chicago and authored several influential books, including a notable biography of Woodrow Wilson. Dodd's research focused on the social and political dynamics of the South during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. In addition to his academic contributions, Dodd was appointed as the United States Ambassador to Germany from 1933 to 1937. During his tenure, he witnessed the rise of the Nazi Party and became increasingly concerned about the political climate in Europe. His experiences in Germany influenced his later writings on totalitarianism and democracy.