Robert Vance Bruce (December 19, 1923 – January 15, 2008) was an American historian specializing in the American Civil War who won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1988 for his book The Launching of Modern American Science, 1846–1876. After serving in the Army during World War II, Bruce graduated from the University of New Hampshire, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He received his Master of Arts in history and his Doctor of Philosophy from Boston University, where he was later a professor. He also taught at the University of Bridgeport, Lawrence Academy at Groton, and the University of Wisconsin. Bruce was also a lecturer at the Fortenbaugh Lecture at Gettysburg College.