Fred Siegel, Urban Historian and a Former Liberal, Is Dead at 78

Fred Siegel, an urban historian who was once a liberal but later became a conservative voice, died at the age of 78. The cause of his death has not been reported.

Siegel was born and raised in the Bronx, New York City. He studied at the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a Ph.D. in history. He later taught at several universities and served as a visiting professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Siegel was a prolific writer. He authored numerous books and articles on politics, urban affairs, and history. His most famous book, “The Future Once Happened Here: New York, D.C., L.A., and the Fate of America’s Big Cities,” is a critical examination of the failures of American urban policy in the 20th century.

Siegel was known for his sharp critiques of liberal policies, particularly in the areas of urban affairs and social welfare. He was a vocal critic of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and often appeared on conservative television shows such as Fox News and Newsmax.

Despite his political stances, Siegel was admired for his scholarship and his ability to bridge the divide between different political perspectives. His work remains an important contribution to our understanding of American urban history and politics.

Siegel’s passing is a great loss for the fields of history and political science. His legacy will continue to influence scholars and policymakers for years to come.