Howard Zinn was a pioneering historian who introduced the concept of social history. His influential work, "A People's History of the United States," provided a narrative that focused on the experiences of marginalized groups rather than traditional political narratives. Zinn emphasized the importance of grassroots movements and the voices of everyday people in shaping history. By highlighting social injustices and struggles, he encouraged a critical examination of the past, making history accessible and relevant to contemporary society. His approach continually inspires new perspectives in historical scholarship.