Who is considered the “father” of American cultural anthropology, and what are his main contributions?

Franz Boas is often considered the “father” of American cultural anthropology. He challenged the prevailing ideas of cultural evolution and scientific racism of his time. Boas emphasized the importance of fieldwork, cultural relativism, and historical particularism. His work laid the foundation for the concept that each culture is a product of its unique history and must be understood on its own terms.