‘The whole theory of the economic interpretation of history rests upon the concept that social progress in general is the result of contending interests in society—some favorable, others opposed, to change.’

An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States is an influential and controversial book that linked the votes of the members of the Constitutional Convention to their economic interests. A radically different interpretation of the history of the American Constitution, Beard believed that the Founding Fathers of the United States were primarily motivated by their economic interests instead of philosophical principles. Despite its controversial thesis, the book led to a wide-ranging reinterpretation of early American history among scholars.

Charles Austin Beard was an American historian and professor best known for his economic interpretation of American history.