John Lothrop Motley was an American historian and diplomat known for his extensive writings on European history. He was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1814 and studied at Harvard University. Motley's most notable work is his History of the United Netherlands, which chronicles the events of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. He is also recognized for his diplomatic career, serving as the United States Minister to Austria-Hungary under President Abraham Lincoln. In addition to his historical achievements, Motley was a distinguished intellectual, skilled writer, and a tireless researcher. His contributions to the study of European history are still regarded as significant and worthy of exploration today.